First and foremost, you must understand that my most critical requirement is humidity. My large, broad, and often soft leaves are designed to transpire—that is, to release water vapor—at a rapid rate. In the dry, stagnant air of a typical human home, I am constantly losing more water than I can draw up through my roots. This leads to the dreaded crispy, brown leaf edges you often see. Therefore, the best indoor location for me is one that mimics the moist, sheltered environment of a forest floor. Rooms like bathrooms or kitchens are often ideal because the air is naturally humidified by showers, baths, and cooking. If such a spot also has appropriate light, it is my top choice for a happy home.
My relationship with light is a careful dance. I crave bright conditions to fuel the photosynthesis needed to support my lavish foliage, but I am extremely sensitive to direct sunlight. The intense, direct rays of the sun, especially through a south or west-facing window, will quickly scorch my leaves, leaving ugly brown or white patches. Think of me as thriving in dappled sunlight. The perfect spot is near an east-facing window, where I can bask in the gentle morning sun. A north-facing window can also be suitable. If the only available window is south or west-facing, you must place me several feet away from the glass or use a sheer curtain as a filter to diffuse the harsh light. My leaves will tell you if the light is correct: they should be a vibrant green, not pale (a sign of too little light) or scorched.
I am not a fan of sudden changes or extreme temperatures. I prefer a consistently cool to moderate environment, similar to a temperate woodland. This means you should avoid placing me directly in the path of heating vents, radiators, or air conditioning units. These create hot or cold drafts that strip moisture from my leaves rapidly, causing stress and damage. Similarly, positions directly next to frequently opened exterior doors or drafty windows are problematic. The constant blast of dry, cold, or hot air is a significant threat to my well-being. A location with a stable, ambient room temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C) is perfect for me to thrive without expending extra energy on stress responses.
While I dislike harsh drafts, I do appreciate gentle air circulation. Stagnant, completely still air can encourage the growth of fungal diseases like powdery mildew on my leaves. A room with normal, gentle air movement from central air systems, but away from direct blasts, is ideal. Furthermore, please consider my size. As I grow, I will spread my leaves wide. Placing me in a cramped corner or a high-traffic hallway where my foliage is constantly brushed against or bumped can tear my leaves and damage my stems. I need space to unfurl and display my natural, bold form without feeling cramped or threatened.
