Free Pleomele Reflexa 'Variegata' Plants

The Pleomele is very rarely seen nowadays, although it really is quite a choice plant. The green and yellow-green variegated foliage is attractive and becomes more interesting as the erect habit turns a little more wayward and starts to grow horizontally or in a semi-erect fashion. As this happens, it is advisable to provide the plant with some support using bamboo cane and wire rings. The plant requires a fairly high level of humidity, which can be provided by regular misting or by standing the pot in a tray of moist pebbles. The Pleomele is quite slow-growing, which means that it takes a considerable time to produce a plant of worthy proportions to display effectively.

Plant type : Foliage plant with erect, then semi-erect, habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 100-200cm (39—78in)
Flower : None
Leaf : Lance-like, 10-20cm (4—8in) long, 2-2.5cm (8-9in) wide, green and yellow-green striped
Temperature : 18-21'C (64—70°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation, but out of direct sunlight
Humidity : Moderate to high
Watering : Evenly moisten compost throughout year, taking care not to over-water and allowing to dry out a little before re¬watering
Feeding : Once every three to four weeks with houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 10cm (4in) tip cuttings in seed and cutting compost at 21°C (70°F) in early spring
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Mealy bug, leaf loss from over-watering
Availability : Rarely available
Uses indoors : In pride of place in the lounge or dining room, close to, but not directly by, window; good for office display, in reception or elsewhere