Free Dizygotheca Elegantissima Plants

This delicate-leaved plant looks effective when silhouetted against a plain wall or spotlit to produce interesting shadow effects, although the light should not be placed too close to the plant. It is perhaps better grown as a multi-stemmed plant, with several plants of the same type in the same pot to provide a more condensed and compact effect. Care must be taken to ensure that it is protected from draughts and temperature fluctuations, as these will cause the leaflets to be shed very rapidly. Scale insects can also be a problem, especially as they camouflage themselves well on the dark stems. The Dizygotheca is sometimes sold as a plant for bottle gardens and bowl arrangements, but is best displayed as a feature plant.

Plant type : Foliage plant with erect habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 100-150cm (39 — 59in)
Flower : None as indoor plant
Leaf : Leaflets, 7.5-10cm (3—4in), 7—10 per leaf stem, radiating from centre, broadly serrated, bronze-purple green
Temperature : 18-21°C (65—70°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation out of direct sun
Humidity : High
Watering : Evenly moisten compost throughout year, taking care not to over-water and allowing to dry a little before re¬watering
Feeding : Once every two to four weeks with houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Difficult, but sow seed at 2rC (70°F) in seed and cutting compost
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Red spider mite, mealy bug, root mealy bug, scale insect, aphid, premature lower leaf drop
Availability : Occasionally available in spring and summer
Uses indoors : Feature plant on table or furniture relatively close to window away from draughts; effective office plant