PLANT of the week

If this is kept too hot, it won’t flower, so it’s not often sold as a house plant.

But if you’re turning the heat down to save costs, it is worth looking out for. There aren’t many exotic winter-flowering plants that thrive in thrifty heating.

It’s also easy to grow, given a few basic rules. In winter, keep it in a cool room without feed and only minimal water. Increase watering in spring, then in summer keep it as cool as you can and in light shade.

A north windowsill indoors is fine, as it will scorch in full sunlight. Water fairly generously and apply occasional doses of well-diluted liquid tomato feed until autumn.