Cultivation tips
Soil -- Mitraria likes fertile soil that drains easily. A typical mix is 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite. An alternate mix is 1 part peat moss or coir fiber to 1 part perlite, with some slow-release fertilizer mixed in. Do not add lime to the mix, since the plant prefers an acidic soil. Watering -- Aim to keep the soil evenly moist most all the time. Don't let it dry out completely, but don't keep it constantly soggy either. If your tap water is very high in minerals ("hard" water) you may need to use bottled water or rain water. Sunlight -- Mitraria likes part sun, with protection from strong afternoon sun. Climate -- It likes cool temperatures. It's happiest between 45 and 80 degrees F, with cool nights. In warmer conditions, keep the pot shaded, perhaps by placing the pot inside a larger clay pot. Established plants reportedly can take down to 16-20 degrees F, but it's best to protect it from hard frosts. If the plant seems to suffer in low humidity indoors, consider using an ultrasonic humidifier, sold at home improvement stores and some thrift shops. Fertilizing -- Feed about every 2-3 months with an all-purpose fertilizer that contains micronutrients. Pruning & training-- Feel free to remove some stems to shape the plant, or trim the stems shorter to make them bushier. You may tie the branches to a trellis to train them in an upward habit, or you can let them trail along the ground or out of a hanging planter. Pests to watch for -- Watch for any pests that can affect your other plants. If you have any questions or problems, please contact me. Enjoy your plant! - Jeff Strange Wonderful Things
|
|||||||||
