| Description: |
Clustering stems that may reach eight to ten feet (240-300cm) in height. Dark green leaves spread through the upper third of the trunk forming a dense mass. New shoots form from short spreading underground rhizomes. |
| 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 |
| 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, 1 part moist peat or humus (leaf mold) and a light dusting of lime.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Drench the soil and let it become moderately dry between waterings. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed monthly spring through fall with a water soluble fertilizer. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs, scale and thrips. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Division and seeds
in the spring.
It is best to propagate seeds 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: |
Clean the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth. If the roots start to grow out of the bottom of the pot, it's time to repot! This plant needs some direct sunlight daily, preferably from the east.
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| Air Purifier: |
A good remover of formaldehyde, chloroform, xylene, ammonia, benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene from the atmosphere. |