Solenostemon 'Spitfire'

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

General houseplant fertiliser

Feed this plant with a general houseplant fertiliser.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed regularly during growth

Feed the plant regularly during growth for improved foliage. Don't feed the plant in winter. Follow the feed manufacturer's directions for the amount of feed to use.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Keep moist, but not standing in water

Keep moist at all times. Water more sparingly in winter, keep the compost just moist.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Soak completely when watering

Water until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Leave for 30 minutes or so until the compost is fully moist, then pour away the excess water so the plant pot is not standing in water. (This avoids waterlogging which can cause "root rot".)

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Feed with high nitrogen feed

Use a houseplant feed that is high in nitrogen each fortnight from May until August.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a high value.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Compost · Planting

Houseplant compost for repotting

Repot using any good quality house plant compost.

Indoor temperature · Planting

Average room, cooler room (min 13C/56F) in winter

This plant thrives in average or cool rooms when grown as a houseplant (average room temperature is around 20C/68F). The minimum advisable temperatures at night and in the colder months are 13C/56F.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in moderate light / some shade

This plant is happiest in a position with part or light shade, near a sunless window or some distance away from a sunny or bright window. It should not be exposed to full sunlight.