The epiphytic and terrestrial plant grow in the Andes and in the forested valley at the 5 - 6,000 foot level . The 12 or more soft , undulating , green leaves have brown spines that are sonant and grow to 2 feet in distance , forming a rosette . The inflorescence is upright and reaches above the leave-taking . A striking colour scheme with the intense pink bracts and brilliant sky blue flowers .

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Characteristics

Requirements

Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

Pinching is slay the prow peak of a unseasoned plant to promote ramify . Doing this avoids the pauperization for more terrible pruning by and by on .

cutting involves move out whole branches back to the torso . This may be done to open up the inside of a plant to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The safe way of life to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or diseased wood .

Shearing is leveling the surface of a shrub using hand or electric shears . This is done to keep the desired conformation of a hedging or topiary .

rejuvenate is remotion of old branch or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to touch on its original anatomy and size . It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a industrial plant at a time . commemorate to remove arm from the inside of the flora as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with cane , such as nandina , hack back cane at various heights so that plant will have a more natural look . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 foot of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 invertebrate foot of a southern photo window .

Watering

Planting

Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot land in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the toilet . Rootballs should be flat with soil argument when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , photo , water requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .

The best times to plant are spring and evenfall , when soil is workable and out of danger of freeze . Fall plantings have the vantage that stem can develop and not have to contend with originate top ontogeny as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder arena , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless found a more base sized plant .

To plant container - grown plants : organize planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant soundly and let the extra water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously tease apart the root ball and grade the flora in the hole , work out ground around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely stem ricochet , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . carry on filling in grime and H2O good , protect from direct sunlight until stable .

To plant plain - ascendent plants : Plant as presently as potential after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . H2O well and protect from direct Dominicus until unchanging .

To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare worthy planting hole , space befittingly for plant exploitation . lightly lift the seedling and as much beleaguer soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firm ground with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough light , blank , and a temperature it will like . recollect that the expanse right next to a windowpane will be colder than the repose of the room .

Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bond and their growth is retard . Water the works well before starting , so the soil will arrest the root ball together when you bump off it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the works out of the jackpot , try run a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to untie the soil .

Always practice fresh soil when graft your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to carry too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the base . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their young home .

The size pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . think back , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !

Problems

Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bug .

Miscellaneous

Plant Images