| Description: |
Upright shrub, easily controlled in height to a few feet (60cm). Leaves are very glossy, dark green with a broad yellow edge. |
| Environment: |
Suitable only for a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full sunlight coming from the 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 in the warm months with any water soluble fertilizer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to scale and aphids. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Seeds and stem cuttings
in the late summer.
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings or seeds (when ripe) 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: |
The sap is very poisonous, wash hands immediately if you have come in contact with the sap. Mist occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining). The plant should be pruned in the spring and kept cool in the winter. 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.
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| Toxicity: |
Species of this Genus can be harmful to pets. |