| Description: |
Narrow-leaved shrub with red and yellow hanging flowers. Good for baskets. |
| 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/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 with a water soluble fertilizer. Do not fertilize in the winter. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to spider mites, mealy bugs and scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings and seeds
in the spring.
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 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: |
Loves fresh air and will grow for anybody with a little extra care. Cut or pinch back if it gets a little leggy and when the roots start growing out of the bottom of the pot, it's time to repot! If possible put outside for the summer in partial shade.
An ideal plant for a hanging basket.
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| Bonsai: |
This species can be bonsaied. |