Hello! From my perspective, I am not a demanding plant. I thrive in bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or north-facing window is my absolute favorite. Here, I get the gentle morning or soft all-day light that allows me to photosynthesize happily without my leaves getting scorched. I can also tolerate lower light conditions, but my growth will slow, and my famous variegation (those lovely white stripes) may fade to solid green as I try to absorb every possible photon. Please, avoid placing me in the harsh, direct afternoon sun of a south or west window—it will literally burn my leaves, leaving unsightly brown spots and crisping my tips.
My watering needs are simple but crucial. I prefer to dry out a bit between drinks. Please feel free to stick your finger into my soil about an inch deep; if it feels dry, it's time for a thorough watering. I love a good soak where water runs freely out of my pot's drainage holes—this ensures my roots get hydrated without sitting in a swamp. Empty the saucer afterwards! Soggy, waterlogged soil is my greatest enemy, leading to root rot which can be fatal. In the warmer months, I'll need water more frequently, but in the winter, I drink much less. Brown, mushy stems are a cry for help that you're loving me a little too much with water.
I need a home that breathes. A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is perfect for me. It holds just enough moisture but allows excess water to escape quickly, protecting my roots. As for my pot, drainage holes are non-negotiable. I am content to be slightly root-bound and actually produce more of my adorable "spiderettes" or plantlets when I'm a bit snug. You typically only need to repot me into a slightly larger container every 2-3 years or when my roots are visibly circling the pot and my growth has stalled.
This is my favorite party trick! When I'm happy and mature, I send out long arching stems called stolons, from which my baby plantlets grow. You can simply leave them attached, and I'll be a magnificent, cascading spectacle. Alternatively, you can propagate them. Once a plantlet has developed little nubs (aerial roots), you can snip it off and place its base in a glass of water. In a few weeks, it will grow a robust root system and can be potted into its own soil, starting the cycle anew. You can also peg a plantlet into a small pot of soil while it's still attached to me; once it roots, you can sever the connection.
