From my perspective, I crave bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy of taller trees in my native West African homeland. A spot near an east or south-facing window (in the Northern Hemisphere) is perfect. Direct, harsh afternoon sun will scorch my large, delicate leaves, leaving unsightly brown burns. If you notice me leaning or stretching desperately towards the light, I am telling you I need more. Rotate my pot a quarter turn every time you water me to ensure I grow evenly and don't become lopsided. I am a creature of habit, so please do not move me suddenly to a drastically different light environment; it will cause me great stress.
My relationship with water is delicate. I despise having wet feet. Soggy, waterlogged soil suffocates my roots, leading to root rot, which is often fatal. You must only water me when the top 2-3 inches of my soil feel dry to the touch. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot, ensuring my entire root ball is moistened. Please, empty the saucer afterwards so I am not sitting in that excess water. In the winter, when my growth slows, I will need much less water. Overwatering is the most common way humans hurt me.
I thrive in the same temperatures you do, between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C). I am highly sensitive to drafts, whether hot from a vent or cold from a frequently opened door or window. Sudden temperature fluctuations cause me to drop my leaves in protest. As a tropical plant, I appreciate higher humidity. While I can tolerate average household humidity, my leaves will truly glow with health if you mist them regularly, place a humidifier nearby, or group me with other plants to create a microclimate.
I require a well-draining, premium potting mix to allow my roots to breathe and prevent water retention. During my active growing season in spring and summer, I am hungry for nutrients. Feed me with a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength approximately once a month. This gives me the energy to produce new, glossy leaves. In the fall and winter, please stop feeding me, as I am resting and cannot process the nutrients, which could lead to a harmful buildup in my soil.
I communicate my well-being through my foliage. Brown, crispy leaf edges often mean the air is too dry, or I am under-watered. Yellowing leaves, particularly lower ones, usually signal overwatering. If I am dropping leaves, I am likely stressed from a sudden change in location, a draft, or insufficient light. Small new leaves mean I need more nourishment or light. By observing me closely, you can learn exactly what I need to thrive under your care.
