Friendship Plant Care Guide and Profile

Instructions

Soil Preference:

1. This plant requires a quick draining soil.
2. A mix of potting soil and perlite will keep the roots happiest.
3. Two parts potting soil to one part perlite.
4. A heavy soil potting mix is not recommended for these plants.

Pot Size and Type:

1. The friendship plant can grow in a regular pot or a hanging pot
2. If you want to encourage faster growth choose a pot about 2 inches wider in diameter than the current pot.
3. Any well drained pot can be used. It MUST have drainage.
4. Repot every second year or when roots come out the drainage holes on the pot bottom To the next pot size up.
5. Don't jump to a huge pot from a small one unless you wish to encourage faster growth. Just go to the next size up pot.

Lighting:

1. The friendship plant enjoys bright indirect or dappled light.
   It will tolerate lower indirect light it if has some brighter moments in the day.
2. Some filtered sunlight from a window will be appreciated.
3. Shield this plant from strong direct light in summer south and west sunny windows. The leaves will get scorched.
4. Tip: Window sheers or blinds can offset some brief periods of high direct light.

Watering:

1. Water your plant when the soil is dry. Try a watering schedule of every other week.
2. Watering is best done on a regular schedule so the plant is not over or under watered. Both can cause stress on the plant.
3. This tropical plant enjoys humidity. In dry climates this plant will thrive with a humidifier nearby. OR use a pebble tray under the pot filled half way with water.
4. In dormant winter months reduce watering to when the soil is dry.
5. Never let this plant get wet feet. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. If the soil is compacted the bottom of the soil can remain wet which encourages root rot and fungus gnats.

How to Fertilize:

1. Apply a good quality fertilizer (linked in materials) monthly through Spring and summer.
2. Decrease feedings by late Fall and allow the plant to rest through the winter months.

Temperature:

1. Keep the plant at a low of 65 Degrees F. to upward of 85 Degrees F. It enjoys warmth and humidity.

Pruning and Training:

1. Pruning will give you a fuller plant with more even growth. But it's not necessary with the friendship plant unless you want to shape it.
2. Sharp Hand pruners are preferred for pruning. They will give a clean cut that will heal quickly.

Table Top Plants:

1. It’s easy to prune and shape these plants to whatever length and fullness you desire.
2. If your plant becomes leggy, just prune the top to create a bushy structure

Pests:

1. This plant is not fussy and resists pests. However all plants can get attacked by pests.
2. Stress by longterm overwatering, poor light, extreme temperatures and soil conditions are contributors to plant stress..
3. Spider mites, mealy bugs, scale, thrips and whitefly are the most common houseplant pests you will see.
4. Read our post on How to get rid of aphids and other pests with our homemade pesticide soap recipe or neems oil.
5. To minimize the possibility of pests be sure to check all nursery plants before bringing them home.
6. Quarantine all new plants until you are sure no pests live in them.

How to Propagate:

1. Top stem cuttings are a great way to propagate this plant
2. Place the cuttings in moist soil stem down.
3. Pat the moist soil around the base of the cuttings so they stand upright.
4. Place a bag or plastic over the top of the cuttings to create a humid environment.
5. The cuttings will root in about a month.