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Whether you call them nephthytis, arrowhead,
or white butterfly, these relatives of the philodendron
make an excellent indoor houseplant. Originally only a green plant, nephthytis now
come with leaves that are almost white, green & white, and varying shades of pink & burgundy. Keep the runners trimmed
back and use this interior plant to sit on tables or stand on the floor; if left untrimmed, a nephthytis makes a beautiful
hanging plant.
Houseplant 411 for the iPhone & i Pod Touch
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CARE OF NEPHTHYTIS
Light: A nephthytis with dark green leaves can live in low to medium light: ; but a variety of this houseplant that has white, pink, or burgundy in the leaves needs medium to high light. The
leaves of a nephthytis will turn an ugly gray green color if you place it in the direct sun; this is called bleaching. Water: Allow the soil to dry out before watering this interior plant, almost
to the point where the leaves are drooping. Over water will cause root rot and the plant or parts of it will die. Humidity: Nephthytis prefer a higher humidity than some other houseplants so try
to keep them away from hot air vents and fireplaces. Fertilizer: Fertilize
when the plant is actively growing; every other week in the spring and summer, monthly in the fall, and every other month
in the winter. Pruning: The more you cut back the trailing runners, the
bushier your plant will be. Even when using a nephthytis as a hanging plant, leave only 5 or 6 trailers or the middle of the
plant will become very sparse. Four or five inches from a runner can be rooted in vermiculite to start a new plant. Pests: Nephthytis are susceptible to scale and mealy bugs, but it is spider mites that do the most damage, sucking the color from the leaves and making the plant look pale and anemic. Spray the entire plant
with the green solution.
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NEPHTHYTIS FAQ’S
1. My plant has very long runners but nothing in the middle.
Cut all of the runners back to within 6-8 inches
of the pot. The plant will quickly start to get bushy and full again.
2. When I
bought my arrowhead it had green and white leaves, now all of the new leaves are green.
Move the plant to a brighter
location; white leaves need more light than green leaves to develop.
3. What causes
a brown rim around the edge of the leaves of my nephthytis?
It could be a couple of things; too much salt in the
soil from over fertilizing or too much salt in your water (never use water from a softener), or the air around the plant is
too dry.
4. The leaves of my arrowhead look pale and there is a reddish haze on
the back of them. I don’t see any bugs,
The plant has spider mites. Spray it with the green solution, undiluted alcohol mixed with a few drops of mineral oil and a few drops of biodegradable soap; not only will you get rid
of the mites, you’ll be able to see the fine webbing all over your plant.
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