| Description: |
Leaf colors range from green with white dots or splashes to vivid red/green/white combinations, giving months of color. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/East/West |
| Planting Depth: |
Plant the 'bulb' so it is covered by more than twice the height of the bulb. |
| Soil Type: |
A GOOD general purpose potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well) will suffice. Check purchased soil to see that it is well aerated and add sand or perlite and peat moss if it seems to pack too tightly. Give the plants a chance to settle in before going back to whatever fertilization program has been successful for you. If you want to mix your own take:
1 part garden soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 3 parts peat
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil evenly moist and reduce water during the winter or dormant season. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks with a water soluble fertilizer diluted by half. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs, aphids and spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Division of tubers/ offsets
in the spring through summer.
After dividing tubers or offsets, pot in the plant's regular potting mix.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist frequently with warm water during the spring. Cut off the flowers as they appear. In the fall remove the tubers and place them in peat for the winter and replant them in the spring. Place pebbles or gravel in the drainage dish to hold water and increase the humidity, make sure the pot is sitting on the gravel and not in the water. Good drainage is a necessity.
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| Toxicity: |
Parts of this plant can be toxic to pets. |