| Description: |
Soft, rapidly growing, trailing stems have leaves about two inches (5cm) long for much of their length. The leaves are red-purple beneath and silver, purple and green above. Flowers are white. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full sunlight coming from the 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: |
Drench the soil and let it become moderately dry between waterings. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
A lime free water soluble fertilizer should be diluted by half and used monthly. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs, aphids and scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings
in the summer.
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings in a mixture of moist peat and prelate. 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: |
Mist occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining) and pinch back the tips to keep the plant bushy. Varieties of this plant have sap that can be an irritant to sensitive skin. Repot annually in the spring. Cut back long stems (plant sections of stem for new plants) and pinch back occasionally.
An ideal plant for a hanging basket.
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