| Description: |
Leaves with deep set veins, dark green above and whitish below. Flowers are white followed by soft, orange fruit about two inches (5cm) long. |
| Environment: |
Suitable only for a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full sunlight coming from the South/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 potting mix evenly moist at all times. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed monthly with a water soluble fertilizer. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings (which are still green)
in the spring.
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.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Needs at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. Prune back in the early spring to maintain its size.
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