From my perspective, I thrive on bright, indirect sunlight. Imagine the dappled light that filters through the canopy of a large jungle tree; that is what I crave. A spot near an east or west-facing window is perfect. Direct, harsh afternoon sun will scorch my beautiful, glossy leaves, leaving unsightly brown patches. Conversely, deep shade will cause me to become leggy as I stretch desperately for light, and my growth will slow to a crawl. I prefer a stable, warm environment between 60°F and 80°F (15°C - 27°C). Please keep me away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and heating ducts, as sudden temperature fluctuations are very stressful for my system.
My relationship with water is a delicate one. My roots are susceptible to rot, so I despise sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil. The key is to check the moisture level in my pot. Please insert your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it is time for a thorough, deep drink. Water me slowly and evenly until you see water begin to drain from the holes at the bottom of my pot. Then, crucially, empty the saucer afterward. In the cooler, darker winter months, I drink much less, so you can allow the soil to dry out more significantly between waterings. Overwatering is the most common way humans harm me.
I require a well-draining, aerated potting mix to keep my roots healthy and happy. A standard peat-based potting mix amended with perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand is ideal. This structure allows excess water to drain away quickly while still retaining a slight moisture and allowing oxygen to reach my roots. As for food, I am a moderate feeder. During my active growing season in spring and summer, a monthly feeding with a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength will provide me with the energy to produce my magnificent new leaves. Please refrain from feeding me in the autumn and winter when my growth naturally slows down.
With good care, I can grow quite tall. If I become too large for your space, you can prune my main stem in the spring. This will encourage me to branch out and become bushier. When you make a cut, I will weep a milky white sap. This latex can be a skin irritant, so please be cautious and wash your hands immediately after handling it. You can also gently wipe my large leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks. This removes dust, allowing me to photosynthesize more efficiently and truly shine.
My leaves are my primary way of communicating my health. If my lower leaves are turning yellow and dropping, it could be a natural process, but multiple leaves doing this often signals overwatering. Brown, crispy leaf edges usually mean the air is too dry, or I am underwatered. If my new growth is small and my leaves are far apart on the stem, I am not receiving enough light. Drooping leaves can mean I am either too dry or too wet—check my soil to know for sure. Paying attention to these signs is the best way to keep me thriving.
