| Description: |
Stems spreading to form a mat one to two feet (30-60cm) wide, leaves two to three inches (5-7.5cm) long, broad, grey-green with silver veins. Flowers in small upright inflorescences, light purple and white. |
| 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 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: |
Keep the soil evenly moist and if you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks during the spring and summer with a water soluble fertilizer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to scale, whitefly and spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Division/ cuttings
in the spring through summer.
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings 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. After dividing plant, pot in the plant's regular potting mix.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
A good plant as a ground cover for a plant in a large container.
An ideal plant for a hanging basket.
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