From my perspective, light is my food. I use it for photosynthesis, the very process that creates the energy I need to grow, produce new leaves, and eventually flower. If I am placed in a dim corner or a room with only a north-facing window, I am literally starving. You might notice my new leaves are smaller, the stems are weak and stretched out (etiolation), and I lean heavily toward the light source. I am desperately reaching for the sustenance I need. To help me thrive, please place me directly in front of a bright, east, south, or west-facing window where I can bask in plenty of bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day.
My growth originates from my roots. If I am root-bound, meaning my roots have completely filled the pot and are circling tightly, I have become severely constrained. There is no room for new roots to explore and gather water and nutrients. This stress signals to my upper parts to stop growing. You might see roots emerging from the drainage holes, or my soil may dry out incredibly fast. Alternatively, if my pot is too large, the excess soil retains water for too long, leading to my next major issue. I need a pot that gives my roots room to grow but is not excessively large, typically repotted every 1-2 years.
This is a critical point. My roots need both water and oxygen. When you water me too frequently, or my pot lacks proper drainage, the air pockets in the soil fill with water. My roots begin to suffocate and rot in the saturated environment. A rotting root system cannot absorb water or nutrients, so my growth halts entirely. Above the soil, you will see yellowing leaves, particularly lower ones, and a general lack of vigor. I need to be planted in a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Water me deeply only when the top few inches of soil feel dry to your touch.
While light is my energy, nutrients are my building materials. The soil I live in has a finite supply of them. If I have been in the same pot for a long time, I have likely exhausted the available nutrients. Without a steady supply of key elements like nitrogen (for leafy growth), phosphorus (for root and flower development), and potassium (for overall health), I simply cannot produce new tissue. My growth will be stunted, and my leaves may appear pale or lackluster. During my active growing season (spring and summer), I require a regular feeding schedule with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to support my large, lush growth.
I am a tropical plant, and my cellular processes are designed to function best in warm, stable conditions. If my environment is too cold (consistently below 60°F or 15°C) or I am exposed to a sudden draft from a door or air conditioner, I go into a state of shock. My growth metabolism slows down drastically to conserve energy, effectively putting me into dormancy until conditions improve. I need to be kept in a spot with temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) away from cold blasts and heating vents to feel comfortable enough to grow.
