| Description: |
Almost stemless above ground with grey-green heavy textured paddle-shaped leaves produced more or less in two ranks. In flower, a heavy horizontal spathe produces one or two flowers at a time that are orange and blue in a vary curious shape. |
| Uses: |
ornamental, cutflowers, container, accent |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full 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. Remember to reduce watering 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. Do not fertilize in the winter. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Seeds and division
in the spring.
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 plant in a tub or large container.
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