From my perspective as a plant, light is my sole source of food. The process of photosynthesis, which occurs in my leaves, is how I convert light, water, and carbon dioxide into the sugars and energy I need to grow. To produce larger leaves, I require a significant amount of bright, indirect light. Think of a leaf as a solar panel; a larger panel can capture more energy, but it requires more initial energy investment to build. If I am stuck in a dim corner, my survival instinct kicks in. I will produce smaller leaves that require less energy to create but are more efficient at absorbing the limited available light. To encourage those large, iconic leaves you desire, place me near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window where the sun's rays won't scorch my foliage.
In my native jungle habitat, I am a climbing hemiepiphyte. This means I naturally grow up the trunks of large trees, using my aerial roots to anchor myself and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and the bark. When you provide me with a moss pole or a wooden plank to climb, you are replicating my natural condition. This vertical support is a signal to my internal systems that I am in an ideal position to compete for light. In response, I will invest more energy into producing larger leaves with more pronounced fenestrations (splits and holes) to maximize light capture in the canopy. Without support, I will remain in a "juvenile" bushy state with smaller leaves, as there is no incentive to mature.
My large, delicate leaves have a high transpiration rate, meaning I lose a lot of water vapor to the air. To support this system and have the hydration needed to expand new leaves to their full potential, I require consistent soil moisture (but never sogginess, which suffocates my roots) and high humidity. Underwatering causes me stress, leading to stunted growth and smaller leaves as a conservation tactic. Low humidity forces my stomata (pores on the leaves) to close to prevent water loss, which also hinders photosynthesis. By watering me thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are dry and increasing ambient humidity through grouping me with other plants, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier, you create the tropical conditions I need to unfurl large, healthy leaves without restraint.
Building a massive, structurally sound leaf is a nutrient-intensive process. I require a steady supply of essential macro and micronutrients to form strong cell walls and chlorophyll. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an equal NPK ratio (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) applied monthly during my active growing season (spring and summer) provides the nitrogen for leafy growth, phosphorus for strong roots and energy transfer, and potassium for overall plant functions. However, please dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. Too much can cause a harmful buildup of salts in the soil, which will damage my root system and ultimately prevent me from absorbing the very nutrients and water I need to make those large, beautiful leaves for you.
