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Turquoise Puya

 

Candy Corn Plant

Manettia bicolor

 

Growing tips

 You may transplant it to a 1 gallon (4 liter) pot with drainage holes. Use a well draining soil mix.  I use a mix of 1 part coir fiber to 1 part perlite.  An alternate mix is 2 parts quality potting soil to 1 part perlite. 

 It likes bright, filtered light, and will probably need some protection from strong afternoon sun.

 It comes from mountain forests of Brazil, where temperatures are mild all year.  It grows great at normal household temperatures, and it tolerates cool conditions too (but not frost).  Over about 40% humidity is best.  If your plant seems to suffer from low humidity indoors, consider using an ultrasonic humidifier.

Give it something to climb around as it grows upward, like a trellis, bamboo stakes, etc.  Eventually it can climb over a small arbor.  You may prune it to any size you wish.

Watering -- Aim to keep the soil evenly moist.  Don't keep it constantly soggy, but don't let it dry out either.  If you're unsure if the soil down in the root zone has the right moisture, you can use a moisture meter.

Fertilizing -- It has average feeding needs.  Feed about every 2 months with a general-purpose fertilizer that contains micronutrients (I use this).

Pests to watch for - Watch for any bugs that can affect your other plants.  Try using insecticidal soap before using stronger remedies, since some may harm the plant.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. 

Have fun growing it!

- Jeff

Strange Wonderful Things

 

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Turquoise Puya

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