| Description: |
A small plant making a tight rosette about two feet (60cm) across with age. The stiff leaves are angular in cross section. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| 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) 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. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs and scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Leaf shoots, suckers or seeds
in the spring.
Propagate them in evenly moist soil, mist occasionally and keep in filtered sunlight until they are growing.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Requires good ventilation and avoid over-watering. Keep cool and dry for the winter. Remove flower stalk after blooming.
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