| Description: |
Stems forming a clump of rosettes of very fleshy, almost cylindrical leaves. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/East/West |
| 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:
2 parts garden soil, 2 parts humus (leaf mold), 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 1 part rinsed aquarium charcoal chips and a little fine grade fir bark.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Drench the soil and let it become moderately dry between waterings. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks when in growth with a water soluble fertilizer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs, aphids, scale and spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings and air-layering
in the 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. To air-layer a plant, take a sharp knife and cut half way through the stem about a foot down from the top. Put a toothpick in the wound sideways, wrap wet sphagnum moss and a plastic bag around the wound secured by either rubber bands or tape. When roots form, cut off below the roots and plant.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Needs something to climb or support if it is planted in a pot. Mist frequently with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining) and be careful not to over-water in the winter. Pinch back to create a bushier plant. 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.
An ideal plant for a hanging basket.
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