How to Grow and Care for the Never-Never Plant in Containers
Intro: The never-never plant is an evergreen perennial is native to southeastern Brazil and does best in warm air and soil. It is a popular houseplant kept in indoor gardens (because of its need of warm temperatures), but it can be kept outside in the balcony garden in warmer climates during part of the year. The never-never plant has leathery leaves that can grow to a foot long. The 'Tricolor' cultivar (the most common cultivar) has yellow streaks on the top of its leaves, and the undersides are a deep purple-red.
Scientific Name: Ctenanthe oppenheimiana ‘Tricolor’
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen
Light: The never-never plant will do best in a partly shady balcony garden.
Water: Do not let the never-never plant dry out. Keep its potting soil moist at all times, but do not overwater (which causes root rot). Some gardeners keep its container on top of a pebble tray (with water) to keep its soil potting moist and humidity high.
Propagation: Separate offsets and or take stem cuttings (like with propagating the pothos plant).
Misc. Info: Cold temperatures and dry conditions will turn the never-never plant’s leaves brown and make them curl. The growth of this container plant is best when the air and soil is warm. Do not let this container plant stay in temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The never-never plant can grow to 18 inches.
