| Description: |
Massive trunk branches freely, each tip can develop a rosette of dark green leaves more than six feet (2m) in length with many flat leaflets in a feather form. Male structures are a recognizable cone (with a bad odor), females are separate leaves, reduced in size to about a foot long, and not green, in a cup-shaped mass. |
| Environment: |
Suitable only for a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| 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: |
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 weekly with a water soluble fertilizer when new leaves appear. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to scale and spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Suckers 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. Remove suckers and plant in the plant's regular potting mix.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
This is a tough, slow growing plant so be patient!
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| Toxicity: |
Species of this Genus can be harmful to pets. |