August 1996
Large heart or arrow shaped translucent leaves in combinations of red, pink, white and green. Leaves vary in size.
Green, White, Pink, Red
Small container, large planter.
High. Full sun (unless noted differently in "COMMENTS"), filtered light, south window, atrium, thousands of footcandles.
Frequent (warm weather). Water thoroughly, keep soil evenly moist to touch (not saturated). Don't let sit in water.
Warm. 71 - 85 (degrees F) days, 66 - 75 nights.
High
Every 2 - 3 months during growing season
1 part sterilized garden loam, 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite, and 1/2 to 1 part sphagnum peat moss.
Division of tubers
Select sturdy, shapely, healthy plant free from insect and disease damage. New leaf growth is desirable. Avoid plants with yellow or brown leaf margins. May buy tubers to start yourself.
Challenging. Difficult to grow under average home conditions. Hobby plant requiring knowledge and experience.
Spider mites: Wash with soapy water and
apply miticide.
Weak, spindly growth: Move plant to
brighter location.
Leaf scorch: Provide adequate water and
humidity. Don't overfertilize.
Grown for their spectacular multicolored, decorative foliage. Does well outside in summer (shady location), bring tubers in before frost and store in dry peat moss in dark corner of basement in winter. Foliage is not hardy year round.