| Description: |
Species in this genus range in habit and leaf color. Many make good baskets or base plantings for larger pots. |
| Origin: |
Brazil, West Indies, Venezuela |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the North/East/West |
| Soil Type: |
A GOOD general purpose potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well) with a little added sand or if you want to mix your own take:
3 parts coarse sand or perlite, 2 parts garden soil, 2 parts humus (leaf mold), 1 part rinsed aquarium charcoal chips and a dusting of bone meal and limestone or a couple of eggshells (which can be substituted for limestone).
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Drench the soil and let it become barely moist between waterings. Remember to reduce watering during the winter or dormant season. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed only twice a year, once in April and once in July with a water soluble fertilizer diluted by half. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs, thrips and rarely scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings, leaf cuttings (let the cut end dry out first), division, seeds
in the spring through summer.
Propagate them in evenly moist soil, mist occasionally and keep in filtered sunlight until they are growing.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist occasionally with warm water during the summer months. Requires good ventilation and does well under fluorescent lights.
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