King of Hearts (Homalomena Wallisii) -  Plant

King of Hearts (Homalomena Wallisii) -  Plant

Bright green leaves blotched with yellow about six inches (15cm) long in a wide-spreading clump.

• Origin:     Colombia
• Environment:     Suitable for the home or a greenhouse
• Foliage:     Yes
• Flowering:     No
• Fragrant:     No
• Growing Ease:     Requires a little extra care
• Temperature:     60-85°F, 16-29°C
• Humidity:     High humidity
• Lighting Needs:     Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/East/West

Soil Type:    

Use a GOOD rich potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well), such as an African violet mix. If you want to mix your own take: 2 parts garden soil, 2 parts humus (leaf mold), 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 1 part rinsed aquarium charcoal chips and a little fine grade fir bark. Always use a pot with a hole. 

Watering:    

Keep the soil evenly moist at all times. Use warm water.

Fertilizer:    

Feed every two weeks during the spring and summer with a water soluble fertilizer.

Plant Pests: 
Prone to mealy bugs and spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse.

Propagation:    

Division and seeds in the spring. It is best to propagate seeds in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent the moisture from escaping. Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while. After dividing, plant in the plant's regular potting mix. 

Gardening Tips & Care:
Keep warm and mist occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining). Place pebbles or gravel in the drainage dish to hold water and increase the humidity, make sure the pot is sitting on the gravel and not in the water. 

Air Purifier:    

One of the best plants for the removal of ammonia from the surrounding atmosphere.