| Description: |
A very robust plant that may reach six feet (180cm) in height and with leaves in proportion that are dark green, heavily overlaid with white. |
| Uses: |
Border, Container, Specimen, Houseplant |
| 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:
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 every two weeks with a water soluble, lime free fertilizer during the spring and summer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to whitefly, mealy bugs, aphids, scale and spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings, suckers, air-layering
at anytime.
Summer
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings or suckers 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. To air-layer a plant, take a sharp knife and cut half way through the stem about a foot down from the top. Put a toothpick in the wound sideways, wrap wet sphagnum moss and a plastic bag around the wound secured by either rubber bands or tape. When roots form, cut off below the roots and plant
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Plant is poisonous if ingested. Do not keep around children. Mist frequently with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining) and clean the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth. Be careful not to over-water.
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