Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright indirect light; tolerates partial shade, avoid harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 10–22°C; protect from frost below 5°C to avoid leaf damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Long, sword-shaped, leathery leaves (60–120 cm) in rosettes, green or variegated
- Flower: Fragrant small white to pale lilac flowers in drooping panicles
- Stem: Thick, woody, unbranched or sparsely branched stems
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf tip burn
Banana peel compost tea:Use fully composted banana peels, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Remove brown, damaged leaves at the base to maintain a tidy appearance
- Prune back overgrown stems in early spring to encourage bushier, compact growth
- Trim spent flower stalks after blooming to conserve the plant's energy
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: In Māori culture, used for weaving traditional textiles and medicinal remedies
Usage: Ornamental garden plant, indoor foliage specimen
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