| Description: |
Leaves purple below, green with brown blotching above. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the North/East |
| 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 evenly moist and if you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm soft water if possible. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks during the spring and summer with a water soluble fertilizer diluted by half. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Division and stem cuttings
in the late spring through early 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. After dividing plant, pot in the plant's regular potting mix.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist frequently with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining) and avoid drafts. 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. Repot in the early spring. Prune occasionally to maintain height and shape.
An ideal plant for a hanging basket.
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