From my perspective, the journey from the warm, humid, and brightly lit greenhouse to your home was a tremendous shock to my system. I was cultivated in a near-perfect, stable ecosystem designed for rapid growth and vibrant leaf coloration. Your home, while comfortable for you, represents a drastic change in my core living conditions: light intensity, humidity levels, and temperature consistency. This transition triggers a stress response known as "transplant shock" or, more accurately, "environmental shock." My reaction is to conserve energy and resources. The most energy-intensive parts of me are my large, colorful leaves. By jettisoning a few, I reduce my overall water needs and can focus my energy on acclimating to my new surroundings and establishing a strong new root system in your pot.
My relationship with water is a delicate dance. My roots crave consistently moist soil, but they absolutely despise sitting in saturated, waterlogged conditions. Conversely, I cannot tolerate my root ball drying out completely. The watering practices in the nursery were precise and tailored to my needs. In my new home, the watering schedule might be different. If you water me too lightly, only the topsoil gets wet and my deeper roots become thirsty, causing me to wilt and drop leaves to prevent further water loss. If you water me too heavily or my pot lacks drainage, my roots suffocate from a lack of oxygen and begin to rot. Once root rot sets in, they cannot absorb water or nutrients, so I am forced to sacrifice my leaves. Please check my soil before watering; I prefer it to be slightly damp, not sopping wet or bone dry.
Look at my beautiful, brilliantly patterned leaves. These vibrant colors are not just for show; they are a testament to my high light requirements. I need abundant, bright, indirect light to maintain my foliage and produce energy. In the greenhouse, I was likely receiving several hours of strong, filtered light daily. If you place me in a dim corner or a room with only weak, northern exposure, I am plunged into what I perceive as deep shade. Without sufficient light, I cannot perform photosynthesis efficiently. I can no longer sustain all of my leaves, so I must make a calculated decision to let some go. To keep me happy, please place me in my new home's brightest spot, perhaps near an east or south-facing window (with a sheer curtain to diffuse very harsh direct afternoon sun).
As a tropical plant, I am accustomed to air thick with moisture. The average home's air, especially with heating or air conditioning running, is extremely dry to me. This arid environment accelerates the rate of water evaporation from the surface of my leaves through tiny pores called stomata. I lose water faster than my roots can absorb it, leading to dehydration. To protect my vital parts, I will curl my leaves and eventually drop them to reduce the overall surface area from which I lose precious water. This is my survival mechanism. You can help me by misting my leaves regularly, placing a small humidifier nearby, or setting my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is not sitting directly in the water).
