'Bonnie' must have had curly hair! This Chlorophytum has the traditional green with white stripe variegation but with leaves that curl and swirl producing a very different & unique presentation. As it is more compact in nature and has a nice tendency to cradle the pot, we recommend growing in smaller 5 to 6" hanging baskets and/or pots. However, Bonnie is also very adaptable to larger containers and upgrade ceramics. As a patented plant, distribution is limited by Oglesby; so try an old favorite with a new twist (literally!).

CULTURE NOTES:

Avoiding tip burn is the greatest challenge in growing Chlorophytum; however early observations indicate 'Bonnie' may be less prone to tip burn than regular Chlorophytum. Tip burn can be caused by poor quality water, Fluoride, Sodium, Boron, high salts, as well as high light levels.

LIGHT
Chlorophytum plants do well in light levels ranging from 2500 foot-candles up to 4500 foot-candles. Light levels above 5000 foot-candles may cause stress resulting in necrotic spots in the white tissue.

TEMPERATURE
Maintain temperatures between 65^oF and 90^oF for optimal growth.

NUTRITION
Nutritional requirements for Chlorophytum are relatively low. 20-10-20 at 150 PPM applied once a week is ample. Alternate with solutions containing Calcium such as 17-5-17-3-1, 15-3-20-3-1, or 14-4-14-5-2. If incorporating a dry fertilizer, use low label rates. Supplemental trace elements are not necessary; however, if you do use them, avoid Boron, as it causes tip burn.

MEDIUM
'Bonnie' will perform well in peat or coir based media amended with bark or other ingredients to allow proper drainage. Include ample Dolomite for pH control. Depending on the starting pH of the media, use 8 to 12 lbs. per cubic yard and incorporate gypsum (1 to 2 lbs. per cubic yard) for additional calcium to bind Fluorides and avoid trace element phytotoxicity. To help avoid tip burn, pH should be maintained above 6.0. If incorporating perlite, use horticultural grade, washed perlite. Washing perlite helps to eliminate available Fluorides.

PESTS AND DISEASES
Given the proper growing environment, Chlorophytum are relatively resistant to most fungal and bacterial pathogens. Keeping the foliage dry can prevent leaf spot diseases such as Alternaria and Fusarium. Always water in the morning.

Caterpillars can be a serious pest of Chlorophytum. Watch for scale, thrips, aphids and mealybugs. Root mealybugs like the thick fleshy roots. Dursban (chlorpyriphos) has been reported to be phytotoxic on Chlorophytum.

Revised Nov. 18, 2002