| Description: |
Vining plants that make fine hanging baskets. In most the leaves are shiny, and are divided to various degrees. |
| Origin: |
South West Africa, Java, West Indies |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| 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:
2 parts garden soil, 2 parts humus (leaf mold), 3 parts coarse sand or perlite, 1 part rinsed aquarium charcoal chips, a dusting of bonemeal and limestone (or a couple of eggshells).
Always use a pot with a hole.
|
| Watering: |
Drench the soil and let it become barely moist between waterings. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed only twice a year, once in April and once in July with a water soluble fertilizer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs and rarely scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings (let the cut end dry out first) and seeds
in the spring.
Propagate them in evenly moist soil, mist occasionally and keep in filtered sunlight until they are growing.
|
| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Needs good ventilation and should be pinched back to make it bushy. Mist occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining). If possible put outside for the summer in filtered shade.
An ideal plant for a hanging basket.
|
| Air Purifier: |
Some species remove formaldehyde from the surrounding atmosphere. |