A very popular, somewhat easy to grow plant for the moderate to bright areas. Can become rather large with age.
Plant Type
All Plants, Indoor Foliage
Hardiness Zone
10-11
Sunlight
Prefers bright to moderate conditions, but will tolerate lower, avoid direct.
Moisture
approach dryness
Growing Media
average house
Temperature
average house, average house plus
Leaves
The rosette of leaves is found on the top of this apical dominant plant. They are long, linear with a red edge.
Dimensions
I have seen plants up to 8 feet tall. Reported in sources to get larger.
Maintenance
If the plant gets tall and out of shape it will respond to being cut back almost any where along the stem. This plant is very apical dominant, meaning it produces one major top. When it is cut back it will respond with multiple branches.
Propagation
The major ways are tip cuttings, cane (stem section cuttings) cuttings or air layering. Sections of the stem can be cut into 4-6" pieces and either stuck vertically or laid on the growing media horizontally and they will root.
Native Site
Native to Madagascar
Cultivar Origin
Has been in cultivation since the Victorian era.
Author's Notes
This plant is sold in a few different ways. Many times small plants are sold as "leafy rosettes". A tip cutting is rooted in a small pot. As the plant matures it will developed its palm-like form. Many times it is sold as a single, "bare legged" plant. Some times 3 or more cuttings of various heights are put in the same pot to create a layered effect