| Description: |
Leaves linear, about ten to twelve inches (25-30cm) long, green with a broad white stripe down the midrib. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the North/South/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 weekly with any water soluble fertilizer. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to spider mites, whitefly, scale and aphids. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Seeds/ plantlets
in the spring through at anytime.
Early summer, Early fall, Early spring, Early winter, Late summer, Late fall, Late spring, Late winter, Mid summer, Mid fall, Mid spring, Mid winter
It is best to propagate 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. Remove plantlets and plant in the plant's regular potting mix.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist occasionally with warm water during the summer. This plant will grow for anybody.
An ideal plant for a hanging basket.
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| Air Purifier: |
Some species remove formaldehyde from the surrounding atmosphere. |