The radiator plant is a neat, mound-forming, tropical plant grown for its attractive, deeply corrugated foliage that can either appear green or maroon, depending on how the light catches it. During the summer months, it produces long, thin spikes that hold tiny, cream flowers.
HEIGHT 10in (25cm)
SPREAD 10in (25cm)
FLOWERS Spikes of slender, cream blooms
FOLIAGE Red or green, textured
LIGHT Light shade
TEMPERATURE 59–75°F (15–24°C)
CARE Fairly easy
PLACE OF ORIGIN Brazil
The radiator plant’s native home is a tropical forest floor, so it enjoys shade and high humidity, which makes it an ideal candidate for a bottle garden or a north-facing room or bathroom. If you give these plants the right environment and keep the temperature consistent, they’ll be easy to grow. However, they’re unable to tolerate sudden changes in light levels and temperature.
Plant in commercial potting mix and, from spring through to fall, water it as soon as the potting mix starts to dry out. Also during this time, feed your radiator plant with a half-strength balanced fertilizer once a month. Reduce the watering in winter.
To keep up the humidity around the plant, place the container on a tray of damp, expanded clay granules: the radiator plant responds better to this than to misting the foliage.
To increase your collection of radiator plants, take cuttings in spring and simply pop them into a jar of water and watch the roots grow.
PROBLEM SOLVING If plants are kept too chilly and wet in the winter, they’re likely to suddenly shed their leaves. They also react badly to cold drafts and will very soon start dropping their leaves. Rotting leaves are a sign of overwatering, while wilting leaves are often caused by underwatering.
Bottle gardens are a wonderful way to enjoy plants that flourish in a humid environment—and they also add an interesting and appealing feature to a room. The radiator plant is an excellent candidate for this type of display, as are the maidenhair fern and the mosaic plant.
Houseplants A–Z | RADIATOR PLANT
There’s a wide range of peperomias to choose from, including those with smooth foliage, trailing habits, and variegated leaves. Kickstart your collection with this plant:
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