I thrive in conditions that mimic my native tropical understory habitat. Please place me in a spot with bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is perfect, or a few feet back from a south or west window. Direct, harsh sunlight will scorch my beautiful leaves, causing unsightly brown tips and yellow patches. I am also quite sensitive to temperature. I prefer a consistent room temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and despise cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioning vents, as they can cause me significant stress.
My relationship with water is simple: I like consistently moist but never soggy soil. Please check my soil weekly; when the top inch feels dry to the touch, it is time for a thorough, deep watering. I will tell you when I am thirsty by drooping my leaves dramatically—a clear sign I need a drink. I will typically perk back up within hours of watering. I am highly sensitive to chemicals often found in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride. These can cause my leaf tips to turn brown. For my health and beauty, please water me with filtered, distilled, or rainwater whenever possible.
I require a well-aerated, well-draining potting mix that still retains some moisture. A high-quality, peat-based potting mix is ideal for me. I do not like to be waterlogged, as this will lead to root rot, which is very dangerous for my health. As for food, I am not a heavy feeder. During my active growing season (spring and summer), please feed me a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. Please do not over-fertilize me, as salt buildup in the soil can burn my roots. I need no fertilizer at all during the fall and winter when my growth naturally slows.
My striking white "flowers," which are actually a specialized leaf bract called a spathe, are my pride. I typically bloom in the spring, but with excellent care, I may surprise you with flowers throughout the year. The key to encouraging my blooms is sufficient indirect light. If I am not flowering, I am likely not receiving enough light. Once my flower begins to turn green and then brown, you can trim it off at the base of the stem to redirect my energy into growing new, lush foliage.
To keep me looking my best, occasionally wipe my large leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, which allows me to breathe and photosynthesize more efficiently. You can also trim any brown or yellowing leaves at the stem base. I enjoy being slightly root-bound and will only need repotting every year or two, or when you see roots circling the surface of the soil or growing from the drainage hole. When you do repot me, please choose a new container that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter.
