Seed Treatment:
• Cold stratification is recommended
• Mix seeds with moist sand or vermiculite and refrigerate at 35–40°F (1–4°C) for 4–6 weeks
• Seeds are very small, so handle with care and avoid covering them deeply
When to Sow:
• Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before last frost
• Outdoors: Sow in early spring or fall for natural stratification
Light Requirements:
• Prefers partial to full shade
• Protect from intense direct sun, especially in warmer zones
Soil Requirements:
• Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
• Thrives in humus-rich woodland soil
• pH range: 5.5–7.0
Sowing Instructions:
• Surface sow — do not cover, as seeds require light to germinate
• Mist lightly to settle seeds into place
• Maintain a temperature of 60–70°F (15–21°C) for best results
• Germination typically occurs in 14–28 days
Watering:
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Avoid letting soil dry out completely
Spacing:
• Space plants 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) apart to allow spreading
Growing Tips:
• Named for its unique habit of forming new plantlets at leaf nodes (“piggybacking”)
• Excellent for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as a ground cover
• Can be grown indoors as a houseplant in bright, indirect light
• Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9
• Once established, spreads gently by runners and self-propagation