Piggyback plants became beloved indoor "pets" in the 1970's houseplant renaissance, as their offspring -- easily rooted from plantlets at the base of older leaves -- spread like Star Trek tribbles. They grow wild in moist woodlands of the Pacific Northwest and California. Tiny greenish-brown flowers bloom on stalks above the clump of fuzzy leaves. Plant in loose, fertile soil. Prefers a cool spot, especially by water. For sturdy, bushy growth, give as much sunlight as it can take without scorching. Houseplant owners know it can droop dramatically when dry, but springs back to life with a soaking. Divide clumps or root the plantlets. Look for cultivars with variegated leaves. |

In this variegated form, fine spots of cream to gold mottle the pale lime-green leaves.
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Attributes - Tolmiea menziesii 'Taff's Gold'
Plant Type: Perennial
Bloom Season: Late Spring through Mid Summer
Flower Color: Red
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 10 in. to 1 ft. 8 in.
Width: 2 ft. 6 in.
Sunlight: Partial Sun, Shade
Climate: Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Notes: Thrives in Wet Soil. Container Plants. Susceptible to Mealybugs, Spider Mites.
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