and can be used as a hanging plant or
not, depending on how you trim it.
It does bloom, when it feels like it,
but it's rather picky in that regard,
and I love it for the unusual purple
'fur' that covers the leaves and stems.
Mine did bloom this year, and the blooms are orange, rather fuzzy-looking, and do not smell very nice. If you display it as a hanging plant, the stems will vine all the way to the floor, if allowed, and it makes for quite a statement. You can pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushiness. And if the flowers offend you, cut them off!
Light: It likes LOTS of light, but not harsh direct sun. Mine is hung in the North-facing window of my back plant room, which has full length windows on the East and North sides. So it gets morning sun too, and all afternoon, but not much direct. It can also do quite well in a South or West window, provided some relief from direct intense sun.
Water: It prefers not to dry out at all, and will droop drastically when thirsty. It does come back nicely though, if you happen to forget it. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Always use room-temperature water that has been standing open at least 24 hours for your houseplants. This reduces noxious chemicals.
Temp.: 60-85 degrees F, 16-29 C Hardy outdoors in USDA zones 10-12.
Humidity: 'Medium humidity' is recommended, but I don't use the mister on this one. If you have it in a pot, rather than hanging, put some pebbles or small gravel in the drip tray and add water as needed to maintain humidity, rather than misting.
Soil: Any good all-purpose soil that has perlite or peat moss to prevent the soil from compacting will be fine. I like to put a layer of small gravel in the bottom of the pot, to ensure drainage. Always use a pot with a hole.
Fertilizer: Monthly. I like the water-soluble drops, like Schultz's.
Pests: Prone to aphids, mealy bugs, and rarely spider mites or whitefly. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. Isolate the affected plant, and spritz it with a dilute solution of dish soap and Tabasco sauce (red) in water. Repeat spritzing daily, and wipe away traces of infestation if possible, until plant shows no further signs of pests. (Never had a problem with mine)
Propagation: Stem cuttings - you can take them any time of year, and either put them directly into moist soil, which must be kept moist - or they root easily in a jar of plain water on your windowsill
Stem cuttings available, email Lynnel@pixelsgardenandpatio.com.
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