A clump-forming, evergreen perennial, prized for its 50cm long, broadly lance-shaped leaves, which are dark green fading out to white at the tips. Although most often grown as a houseplant, it is also a useful garden plant in mild areas, and is tolerant of shade
0.5-1 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
As a houseplant, grow in large pots of peat-free, loam-based compost. Although tolerant of deep shade, growth is best in bright, filtered light with a minimum temperature of 7°C. Water moderately in growth and apply a balanced liquid feed 2-3 times during the growing season; variegated cultivars revert to green if overfed. Outdoors grow in moist but well-drained, fertile, sandy loam with added leaf mould, in a sheltered site with full or partial shade. See houseplant cultivation for further information
Propagate by division
No pruning required
May be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and vine weevil larvae
Generally disease-free