| Description: |
Flowers red, somewhat reflexing. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| 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 evenly moist and if you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks while in growth using a water soluble fertilizer diluted by half. Once a month during the winter months. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs and spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Seeds/ stem cuttings with bottom heat
in the spring through summer.
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings or seeds 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: |
Needs something to climb or support if it is planted in a pot. Prune way back and repot every spring. Mist occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining). 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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