| Description: |
Soft, fleshy stems and small round leaves in untidy branched masses. In spite of the soft appearance this is an extremely tough plant. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the North/South/East/West |
| Soil Type: |
Use a GOOD rich potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well), such as an African violet mix. If you want to mix your own take:
2 parts coarse sand or perlite, 3 parts peat and 2 parts humus (leaf mold).
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil barely moist and if you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks during the spring and summer with a water soluble fertilizer diluted by half. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to whitefly and spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings and tip cuttings
in the late spring through early summer.
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent the moisture from escaping. Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist frequently with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining) and avoid drafts. Pinch back occasionally to keep the plant bushy. If the plant becomes too leggy, discard it and start a new plant from cuttings. 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.
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