I thrive in bright, indirect light. Imagine me in my natural habitat, under the canopy of larger trees where dappled sunlight reaches my leaves. Direct, harsh sunlight will scorch and burn my beautiful, dark-green leaves, leaving unsightly brown patches. A north or east-facing window is often perfect. If you only have a south or west window, please place me a few feet away or use a sheer curtain to filter the intense rays. I will tell you if I'm not getting enough light; my growth will become leggy, and I will reach desperately towards the light source.
My watering needs are specific. I enjoy consistently moist soil, but I absolutely despise sitting in waterlogged conditions, which will quickly lead to root rot—my greatest enemy. Please water me thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Allow water to run freely from my pot's drainage holes, but always empty the saucer underneath afterward. I am somewhat drought-tolerant thanks to my rhizomatous roots, but prolonged dryness will cause my leaves to droop and the edges to turn crispy brown. In the winter, I drink much less, so please reduce your watering frequency accordingly.
As a tropical plant, I adore high humidity and warm temperatures. I am most comfortable in humidity levels above 50%. If your home is dry, especially during winter, please mist my leaves regularly, place me on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier nearby. Low humidity often results in the dreaded brown, crispy leaf edges. Keep me in a warm spot, ideally between 18°C - 25°C (65°F - 77°F). I am very sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes, so keep me away from frequently opened doors and heating or air conditioning vents.
During my active growing season (spring and summer), I am a hungry plant. Please feed me with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks. This provides the essential nutrients I need to push out new, magnificent leaves. I go dormant in the autumn and winter, a period of rest where my growth significantly slows. Please do not fertilize me during this time, as I cannot process the nutrients and it may harm my roots.
I communicate my distress clearly. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering. Immediately check my soil and roots. Brown, crispy edges usually mean the air is too dry. If my leaves are pale or lack their vibrant variegation, I likely need more light. I am also susceptible to pests like spider mites, who love my large leaves. Please wipe my leaves down with a damp cloth regularly and inspect me, especially underneath, to keep these pests at bay.
