From my perspective, my roots need a specific environment to thrive. Please choose a container that is at least 16-18 inches in diameter and has excellent drainage holes. I am deeply susceptible to root rot, so being confined in a pot with soggy soil is a death sentence. The potting mix is even more critical. I cannot abide by heavy, water-retentive soils. I require a very well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral mix. A perfect blend for me would be a native plant potting mix or a combination of a standard potting soil with generous amounts of coarse sand, perlite, and perhaps some pine bark fines to ensure it is open and free-draining. This mimics my preferred Australian growing conditions.
To produce my spectacular, spider-like blooms and maintain healthy, vibrant foliage, I need abundant sunlight. I am a sun-worshipper by nature. Please place my container in a location on your patio or balcony that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. A south or west-facing exposure is typically ideal. Without sufficient light, I will become leggy as I strain for the sun, and my flowering will be sparse or non-existent. I also appreciate good air circulation around my foliage, which helps prevent fungal issues, so avoid cramming me into a crowded corner.
My watering needs are specific. While I am establishing my root system in the new container, I will need regular watering to help me settle in. However, once established, I am remarkably drought-tolerant. The rule is to water me deeply when the top inch or two of the soil feels completely dry to the touch, and then allow the soil to dry out considerably before watering again. I am far more likely to perish from overwatering and soggy roots than from underwatering. Regarding food, I am not a heavy feeder. A light application of a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer formulated for native plants or acid-loving shrubs in the early spring is sufficient. Too much phosphorus can be toxic to me and prevent me from absorbing essential nutrients.
My hardiness is a primary concern in the USA. Most of my varieties are only frost-tolerant to about USDA zones 9-10. If you live in a region where winter temperatures consistently drop below 25-30°F (-4 to -1°C), I cannot survive outdoors year-round. In these climates, I must be treated as a container specimen that is moved to a protected location before the first hard frost. An unheated garage, a sunny greenhouse, or a bright, cool room indoors is ideal for my dormancy period. Please ensure I still receive some light and are watered very sparingly—just enough to prevent my roots from desiccating completely—while I am overwintering. Come spring, I can be gradually acclimated back to the patio sunshine.
