I am a plant of the forest floor, accustomed to the dappled light that filters through the canopy of trees above. Direct, harsh sunlight is my adversary; it will scorch and bleach my beautiful, deep green leaves, leaving unsightly brown or yellow marks. To truly thrive in your care, please place me in a spot with bright, indirect light. A north-facing window is often perfect, or an east-facing one where I can enjoy the gentle morning sun. I can also tolerate lower light conditions far from a window, but my growth will be significantly slower, and I may not produce my characteristic red berries. Rotate my pot occasionally to ensure I grow evenly and don't lean too much towards the light source.
My roots are thick and rhizomatous, storing a fair amount of water. Because of this, I am highly susceptible to root rot if left sitting in constantly soggy soil. The key to watering me is to allow the top few inches of the soil to dry out completely between waterings. You can test this with your finger. When it is time to water, do so thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot, then immediately empty the saucer underneath. I require less frequent watering during the winter when my growth slows down. Overwatering is the single most common way well-intentioned caregivers harm me.
The medium I live in is critical to my health. I demand a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. A standard houseplant mix amended with some perlite or orchid bark to increase aeration and drainage is ideal. This structure prevents water from pooling around my roots. The pot you choose must have adequate drainage holes. I am a slow grower and do not require frequent repotting; once every three to four years, or when you see my roots circling the inside of the pot, is sufficient. When you do repot me, choose a container that is only one size larger than the previous one.
I prefer temperatures that are also comfortable for you. Average room temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C - 27°C) are perfect. I can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures in the winter, but I must be kept away from both cold drafts from windows or doors and hot, dry blasts from heating or air conditioning vents. As for humidity, while I appreciate a more humid environment, I am quite adaptable to the average humidity levels found in most homes. If the air is particularly dry, you can place my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot is not sitting in the water) or occasionally mist my leaves.
I am not a heavy feeder. During my active growing season in the spring and summer, you can feed me a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer once a month. This provides just enough nutrients to support my steady growth. It is crucial that you do not over-fertilize me, as salt buildup in the soil can damage my root system. Please refrain from feeding me entirely during the fall and winter months when I am dormant and not actively growing.
