How To Care For Emerald Plants

Step 1

Plant emerald gems in fresh potting soil. For each pot, sift into the soil a healthy handful each of perlite, peat and bonsai or orchid bark. The added ingredients will ensure that the soil is fertile and can retain enough moisture to feed the plant's roots while still being able to drain excess water.

Step 2

Place emerald gems in a location with filtered light. Warmer temperatures and the moisture of a bathroom or kitchen are also beneficial.

Step 3

Water emerald gems just enough to keep the soil continually moist. Do not let the soil dry out, as leaves will turn yellow, but do not oversaturate the soil, as the plant may become infested with insects or fungal growth. Use only tepid water — not cold — when watering tropical houseplants.

Step 4

Step 5

Spray the foliage routinely with tepid water.

Step 6

Wipe the leaves down occasionally with a cloth to clean them. Emerald gem leaves are waxy and lustrous, and dust buildup combined with spraying will leave them looking spotty and dull.

Step 7

Trim yellowed leaves, if they occur, cutting them off at the stem's base with scissors.

Step 8

Fertilize emerald gems with organic houseplant fertilizer once each spring and once each summer. For vigorous foliage, use nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Step 9

Transplant emerald gems only if they outgrow their pots.

Step 10