| Description: |
A genus that includes vines and small and large upright plants, all evergreen. The feature in common is the fleshy spike of the inflorescence (spadix) and the leaf-like spathe which is always bent back away from it. The leaves or the inflorescence or both may be the attractive features of the plants. |
| Uses: |
Container, Ground cover, Massing, Woodland garden |
| Origin: |
Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica |
| 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 North/East |
| Soil Type: |
An ideal mix would be 3 parts peat, 1 part chopped sphagnum moss, 1 part gravel and a little organic soil.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Drench the soil and let it become moderately dry between waterings. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed once a month with a lime free fertilizer, but not during the winter. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to spider mites, mealy bugs, scale and aphids. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Division and offsets
in the spring.
Early summer, Early fall, Early spring, Early winter, Late summer, Late fall, Late spring, Late winter, Mid summer, Mid fall, Mid spring, Mid winter
After dividing plant, pot in the plant's regular potting mix.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Plant is poisonous if ingested so do not keep it around children. Mist frequently with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining). Place pebbles or gravel in the drainage dish to hold water and increase the humidity, make sure the pot is sitting on the gravel and not in the water. Good drainage is a necessity. It will not flower if it doesn't receive enough light. If possible put outside for the summer in the shade.
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| Air Purifier: |
Some species remove formaldehyde, xylene and ammonia from the surrounding atmosphere. |