| Description: |
Arching stems carry deep rose pink flowers through most of the summer. Goes dormant in the winter. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/West |
| Planting Depth: |
Plant the 'bulb' so it is covered by more than twice the height of the bulb. |
| Soil Type: |
Use a GOOD rich potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well), such as an African violet mix. If you want to mix your own take:
1 part coarse sand or perlite, 1 part peat, 1 part humus (leaf mold) and a little aged cow manure.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil evenly moist at all times. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks with a water soluble, lime free fertilizer diluted by half. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs and mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings, seeds or the division of rhizomes
in the spring.
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings or 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 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.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist frequently with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining). Remove dead flowers and cut back if it gets a little leggy. 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. If possible put outside for the summer in filtered sunlight.
An ideal plant for a hanging basket.
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