You have brought me home, and everything is different. The light angles, the humidity levels, the ambient temperature—it’s all a shock to my system. As a plant, I am a creature of habit and stability. This sudden change is stressful. My response to this stress is often to shed older leaves to conserve energy for new growth that is better adapted to my current conditions. Please be patient with me; I need time to acclimate. Ensure my new spot has consistent, bright, indirect light and avoid moving me again once I seem settled.
My soil's moisture level is critical. If my roots are sitting in waterlogged soil, they cannot breathe. They will begin to rot, cutting off the vital supply of water and nutrients to my leaves, causing them to wilt and drop. Conversely, if you allow my soil to become bone dry, I become severely dehydrated. To prevent this damage from spreading, I will sacrifice my leaves. The goal is consistently moist soil, not soggy and not arid. Water me thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and always ensure my pot has drainage.
My brilliantly colored leaves are a direct result of abundant light. I crave bright, indirect sunlight. If I am placed in a dark corner, I become weak and leggy as I strain toward any light source. Without sufficient energy from photosynthesis, I cannot sustain all my foliage, and I will let leaves fall. On the other hand, harsh, direct midday sun can scorch my delicate leaves, causing them to brown and crisp before dropping. Find a spot for me where I can bask in plenty of gentle light without being burned.
I am a tropical plant, native to humid jungles. The average heated or air-conditioned home has significantly drier air than I prefer. This low humidity causes my leaves to lose moisture faster than my roots can absorb it. The result is dry, crispy leaf edges, followed by the entire leaf dropping. You can help me by increasing the local humidity. Misting my leaves regularly, placing my pot on a tray of pebbles with water, or using a humidifier nearby will make my environment much more comfortable.
I am highly sensitive to drafts and sudden temperature shifts. A cold draft from a frequently opened door or an air conditioning vent blowing directly on me can cause a chill, prompting leaf drop. Similarly, heat from a radiator or fireplace can dry me out and overheat me. I thrive in stable, warm temperatures. Please keep me away from any sources of extreme or fluctuating temperatures to keep my foliage secure and healthy.
