| Description: |
Tiny leaves held in a tight mass on the surface of the soil. Flowers are small and white but followed by bright orange berries. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/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 once a month with water soluble fertilizer from the start of flowering, ending when berries appear on the plant. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to none Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Seeds and division
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. After dividing plant, pot in the plant's regular potting mix.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining) and try to keep this plant cool. Good ventilation would be helpful.
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