Mosaic Plant
The Mosaic Plant, botanically known as Fittonia spp., is an attractive evergreen perennial from South America. The foliage is composed of small oval leaves, which are intricately marked in shades of green, silver, pink, and cream, often resembling a mosaic pattern. It is an attractive, showy houseplant with its bright, mottled foliage, and is quite easy to look after with proper care.
The Mosaic Plant is a moisture loving plant and it prefers constantly moist soil but never soggy. The soil should not dry out completely between waterings, so ensure the soil is continually lightly damp but not soaked. Allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out before watering the plant again. During the winter season reduce the frequency of watering.
The Mosaic Plant prefers bright, filtered light to keep its foliage at its vibrant best, but will tolerate low to medium light well. Direct sun should be avoided, as it will burn or fade the foliage. It is able to grow both small and large gardens. Placing the plant near a window in East, West or South direction will be beneficial. Avoid placing the plant in extremely dark spot; it will not develop vibrant colors.
The ideal temperature for the Mosaic Plant is between 65°F - 75°F (18°C - 24°C). Keep the plant away from hot drafts, furnace and cold drafts around doors and windows. Drafts might damage the foliage of the plant.
Mosaic Plant likes high humidity levels. If your home tends to be dry, consider grouping your plants together or use a pebble tray to raise humidity levels around the plant. Room humidifiers can also be used.
Mosaic Plant grows best in a medium compost composed of equal parts of peat, pine bark, and sand or perlite. Clay pots are a good choice for the plant as they absorb more water than plastic. Ensure that the pot has several holes at the bottom for proper drainage as the plant dislikes wet feet.
Fertilize the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season, about once a month. For summer and winter months, fertilize once every 2 months. An all-purpose fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 works best for the plant. Avoid over-fertilization as it may lead to leaf burn and other problems.
TheMosai Plant can be affected by mealybugs, spider mites and scale. To get rid of them, use a cotton bud or a toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol, wipe away the pest carefully. Increase humidity around the plant and spray daily with mild insecticidal soap. To prevent an infestation, spray neem oil around the plant. Regularly inspect Mopsa Plant for signs of pests and handle accordingly.
When your Mosaic Plant is young, it will need to be repotted more often as it grows quite quickly. However, when mature, it is best to repot in the spring, when the plant is actively growing and can receive the best care and attention. When you notice that your plant has become potbound, with its roots crowing at the base of the pot, repot the plant into a fresh pot using a quality potting mix.
Regular pruning of the Mosaic Plant is not required, as it is a low growing plant. If needed, you can trim the plant lightly to maintain the desired shape. Prune off any unhealthy leaves, or parts of the plant, that have developed fungus or are damaged.
Mosaic Plant does not require mulching but it helps the plant retain moisture and regulates the temperature of the soil. Organic material like Cocopeat, bark chips or compost can be used for mulching.
Mosaic Plant is propagated from both stem and leaf cuttings. Take stem-tip cuttings in late summer or early fall with 2 to 3 leaves and a node. Dip the cut end in hormone rooting powder before sticking the cutting into a moist potting mix. To propagate from leaves, carefully remove the leaf from the stem and stick the end of the leaf into a moist potting mix. Place a clear, plastic bag over the container and maintain a high humidity. The cuttings should develop roots within two months.
The plant does not require support, but staking is recommended, as it leans towards the light and becomes heavy when blooming.
The Mosaic Plant requires a period of rest in winter. It should be kept a little drier and avoid fertilizing it during this season. During this period, the plant may drop some leaves, but will start to grow when the spring season arrives and the temperature rises.
The Mosaic Plant is non-toxic for pets and humans.
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