| Description: |
Leaves are paddle-shaped, standing about two feet (60cm) high. The inflorescence is taller, with dark, wing-shaped bracts backing a groups of dark flowers and long filaments that hang down in a form suggesting a bat in flight. |
| 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: |
Keep the soil evenly 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. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to none Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Division and seeds
in the spring.
After dividing plant, pot in the plant's regular potting mix. 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: |
The plant goes dormant in the fall and should be kept dry and warm until spring when you resume watering. The root is the source of the starch arrowroot.
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