| Description: |
Short stalks with deep green leaves carry bright orange-red, tubular flowers |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/East/West |
| Soil Type: |
A GOOD general purpose potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well) (lime free) will suffice. If you want to mix your own take:
1 part garden soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite and 1 part peat or humus (leaf mold).
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil evenly moist during growth, at other times, allow to become almost dry between waterings. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Do not fertilize new plants for at least four months afterwards fertilize monthly. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Division of rhizomes
in the late winter through early spring.
After dividing the rhizomes plant them in their regular potting mix.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist lightly and make sure the plant has good ventilation. Cut off flowers after they die, rest and store the plant in a cool, dry (but don't let it dry out) and shady place for 3 months. 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 every year in the late summer.
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