Free Stromanthe Amabilis Plants

The Stromanthe is a plant for the enthusiast who is prepared to lavish great care and attention on it. Not only does it dislike temperature fluctuations but it also hates draughts and warm dry air. Its thin leaves lose water quickly, dehydrating to produce brown tips and edges. To provide the best conditions for the plant requires reproduction of the conditions it would normally expect in its natural habitat, the rainforest. A moderate-to-high temperature and moderate light away from direct sunlight are essential. The plant is best grown in a bottle garden or terrarium, and/or closely grouped with other plants.

Plant type : Foliage plant with semi-upright habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 20-25cm (8—lOin)
Flower : Uninteresting spike, produced in spring/summer
Leaf : Oval, 10-20cm (4—8in) long, 4-5cm (1.5-2in) wide, light green with darker green herringbone pattern
Temperature : 18-21°C (65—70°F))
Aspect/Light : Moderate to light shade
Humidity : High
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer; keep a little drier in autumn and winter
Feeding : Once every two to four weeks with half strength houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Divide mature plants and plant in seed and cutting compost at 2TC (70°F) in mid to late spring
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Red spider mite, mealy bug, dry atmosphere causes leaf browning
Availability : Reasonably commonly available throughout year
Uses indoors : Bowl garden or terrarium; prefers draught-free, humid position; can be grouped effectively with other plants