| Description: |
Branching shrub easily kept to less than two feet (60cm) in height. Flowers dusty green above and brownish below (more attractive than it sounds!). |
| Environment: |
Suitable only for a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full sunlight coming from the North/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 barely 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 diluted by half. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Seeds/ stem cuttings
in the spring through late summer.
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 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.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining) and keep warm in the winter. Pinch back occasionally to promote branching. Repot in the early spring.
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