My caretakers often struggle to provide me with the perfect amount of water. I speak through my leaves: when they droop or the edges turn crispy brown, I am parched. My soil should never be dust-dry. Conversely, if my leaves develop soft, mushy, dark brown or black spots and my soil is constantly soggy, my roots are drowning. This "wet feet" condition leads to root rot, a serious threat. The solution is to check my soil before watering. Insert a finger about two inches deep; water me thoroughly only when it feels dry. Ensure my pot has excellent drainage and never let me sit in a water-filled saucer.
I crave bright, indirect light. It is the energy that fuels my magnificent, dark-green, arrow-shaped leaves with their striking white veins. In low light conditions, my growth becomes leggy and stretched, my new leaves may be small, and my vibrant colors will fade. However, I am also sensitive. If I am placed in direct, harsh sunlight, especially through a window, my leaves will protest by developing brown, scorched patches and yellowing. Please place me near an east or north-facing window where I can bask in the gentle morning light or bright ambient light all day without being under the harsh, direct rays of the sun.
As a tropical understory plant, I am deeply sensitive to my atmospheric conditions. I thrive in consistent warmth and high humidity. Drafts from air conditioners, heaters, or open windows cause me immense stress, often resulting in sudden yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Low humidity is another common pain point, causing my leaf tips and edges to turn dry and brown. To make me truly happy, please keep me in a room with stable temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F) and away from drafty areas. Boosting humidity around me by grouping me with other plants, using a pebble tray filled with water, or running a humidifier will make my foliage lush and glorious.
When I am weakened by stress, pests see an opportunity. Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids are my most common adversaries. They suck the sap from my stems and the undersides of my leaves, leaving behind tell-tale signs like fine webbing, sticky residue (honeydew), or yellow stippling marks. If you notice these symptoms, isolate me immediately to protect your other plants. Gently wipe my leaves with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of mild soapy water or neem oil. For severe infestations, you may need to treat me with an insecticidal soap, ensuring you cover the undersides of all my leaves thoroughly.
