Planting the rhizome
Plant your rhizome promptly when received. You can start it in a pot about 4-5
inches (10-13 cm) wide, and at least 5 inches tall (13 cm). Use a well-draining soil mix. A typical mix
is 2 parts quality potting soil Plant the rhizome so the top is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the surface. Don't compress the soil. Add water until the soil is evenly moist, but not fully saturated. It should sprout within about 4-6 weeks, but may take up to 12 weeks, depending on when it went dormant. Until it sprouts, keep it in a warm spot out of direct sun. Once it sprouts, give it bright light (see: "Growing indoors with LED lights"). Some sun should be ok, but watch for possible burning. It may need some protection from strong afternoon sun. This forest plant doesn't need much sun, just bright light. While it's actively growing, keep the soil evenly moist (but not constantly saturated). Climate -- It comes from a warm climate in Brazil, and while it can tolerate cool conditions, it seems to be happiest above 60 degrees F (15°C). Support -- It makes long shoots, which you can either let ramble across other plants, or train upright on a trellis or similar support. Don't trim the shoots, since the blooms appear at the tips. Fertilizing -- Feed about every 3 months
using a granular fertilizer Transplanting -- After about 3-4 months, you may repot it to a 3-4 quart (3-4 liter) pot, which should hold it for a year. The rhizome tends to grow downward, so use a tall pot. After 1 or 2 years, it will benefit from being dug up and repotted into fresh soil. This is best done during dormancy. Dormancy -- The plant may lose some or all of its shoots each year, and go into a rest period for a few months. During this time, keep the soil lightly moist. Don't let it dry out. While it's dormant, you may repot it, trim away any dead storage tubers, and divide the rhizome if you wish. Pests -- Watch for any pests that can affect your other plants. Try using insecticidal soap before using stronger remedies, since some may harm the plant. General info on this plant is here. Have fun growing it! - Jeff Strange Wonderful Things
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to 1 part perlite.
An alternate mix is 1 part
to 1 part
perlite, with some granular fertilizer mixed in.
that contains micronutrients, following the dosage on the package.