I thrive in conditions that mimic my native tropical understory home. Please place me in a spot with very bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is perfect, as I adore the gentle morning sun. A west or south window can work too, but you must shield me with a sheer curtain; my delicate leaves and blossoms are easily scorched by harsh, direct afternoon rays. I am not a fan of the cold. My ideal temperature is a consistently warm 65-75°F (18-24°C). Please keep me away from drafty doors, cold windows, and air conditioning vents, as I will protest by dropping my buds and leaves if I get too chilly.
My relationship with water is a delicate balance. My succulent stems hold moisture, but my abundant foliage causes me to transpire quickly. I need consistently moist soil, but I absolutely cannot sit in waterlogged conditions, which will cause my roots to rot. Water me thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and always ensure excess water can drain freely from the pot. I am a tropical plant, so I crave humidity. If your home is dry, especially in winter, please mist my leaves regularly or place my pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (ensure the pot is not sitting directly in the water). This humid microclimate will keep my leaves perky and my flowers coming.
My roots need a comfortable, well-aerated home to support my vigorous growth. Please pot me in a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. A blend containing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal as it retains just enough moisture while allowing excess water to escape. To fuel my constant blooming, I am a heavy feeder. From spring through early fall, feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two weeks. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season. This steady nutrition provides the energy I need to produce my vibrant, colorful flowers non-stop.
To keep me looking my bushy best and to encourage even more blooms, a little grooming is appreciated. As my flowers fade, simply pinch them off. This process, called deadheading, tells me to redirect my energy into producing new flowers rather than setting seed. If my stems begin to look leggy or sparse, don't be afraid to give me a light trim. Pinching back the tips of the stems encourages me to branch out, resulting in a fuller, more compact plant. Regularly remove any yellowing or dead leaves to maintain good air circulation around my base and prevent potential disease.
I will communicate clearly if my needs are not met. If my leaves are wilting, I am either far too thirsty or my roots are drowning. Check my soil to diagnose the issue. Dropped flower buds are my sign of protest against sudden environmental changes, like a significant temperature drop, drought stress, or being moved to a drastically different light location. Pale leaves often indicate I am receiving too much direct sun, while spindly growth means I need more light. Watch for pests like aphids or spider mites, especially if the air is dry; a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap usually evicts them.
