Aeschynanthus

The genus Aeschynanthus includes more than 100 epiphytic semi-shrubs or lianas with opposite evergreen leathery leaves and beautiful flowers. As indoor plants, Aeschynanthus is suitable only to a limited extent, since these plants come from the humid tropics. The flowers are tubular, irregular in shape, sometimes very bright, formed at the ends of shoots or in the axils of leaves. Aeschynanthus lobbianus (Aeschynanthus lobbianus) - a species 50-60 cm high with oval glossy leaves and spectacular flowers: from an elongated pubescent calyx of dark purple color, a fiery red corolla tube with a short yellow-spotted throat protrudes. Aeschynanthus speckled (Ae. marmoratus – is a plant 60 cm tall, with green yellow-speckled upper side and red-tinged lower leaves 8-9 cm long. The flowers are greenish-yellow with dark spots. Aeschynanthus beautiful (Ae. speciosus) is called the "bird of paradise flower", it grows up to 20-35 cm in height, the leaves are light green. Yellow-orange with a transition to a red hue, the flowers are arranged in bundles on short peduncles sitting at the ends of the shoots.

The genus Aeschynanthus includes more than 100 epiphytic semi-shrubs or lianas with opposite evergreen leathery leaves and beautiful flowers. As indoor plants, Aeschynanthus is suitable only to a limited extent, since these plants come from the humid tropics. The flowers are tubular, irregular in shape, sometimes very bright, formed at the ends of shoots or in the axils of leaves.

Aeschynanthus lobbianus (Aeschynanthus lobbianus) - a species 50-60 cm high with oval glossy leaves and spectacular flowers: from an elongated pubescent calyx of dark purple color, a fiery red corolla tube with a short yellow-spotted throat protrudes.

Aeschynanthus speckled (Ae. marmoratus – is a plant 60 cm tall, with green yellow-speckled upper side and red-tinged lower leaves 8-9 cm long. The flowers are greenish-yellow with dark spots.

Aeschynanthus beautiful (Ae. speciosus) is called the "bird of paradise flower", it grows up to 20-35 cm in height, the leaves are light green. Yellow-orange with a transition to a red hue, the flowers are arranged in bundles on short peduncles sitting at the ends of the shoots.

Cultivation

Aeschynanthus trees are usually grown indoors in hanging baskets or bowls placed on a raised place above the floor, as ampelny plants. They can be placed on the bark of a cork oak or in baskets, like orchids. In spring, fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation every 15-20 days in the amount of 10 g per bucket of water.

Location

In autumn and winter, bright lighting is required - Aeschynanthus is light-loving, and in summer, first of all, it is necessary to avoid direct sunlight. However, keep in mind that plants almost never bloom in the shade.

Temperature

In order for the plant to develop well, it is necessary to maintain the air temperature constantly at the level of 20-22 °C. To stimulate flowering in winter, plants are kept at 14-16 °C and rarely watered.

Watering

Water regularly in spring and summer. It is also useful to spray the plant so that the environment is constantly moist. If the air temperature is high, it is necessary to water regularly, even in autumn and winter.

Transplant

It can be transplanted approximately once every 3 years in spring or summer after flowering. The pot is filled with well-sifted fertile soil, organic fertilizers or organic substances are added, for example, fibrous peat with crushed sphagnum.

Care

If necessary, remove damaged parts of the plant, in addition, you need to brush off the dust from the leaves with a damp cloth.

Reproduction

Propagated usually by non-lignified cuttings taken in spring, in a loose substrate of peat and sand (or perlite expanded clay), maintain high humidity and a temperature of about 25 °C.

Diseases

Aeschynanthus is affected by green apple aphids, which are disposed of with the help of appropriate drugs, and mealybug - it is removed with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol, and then the entire plant is treated with anti-coccidal drugs. These pests can also attract their paddy mobs.

Acquisition

You can buy plants with buds in gardening centers and the best flower shops. Check that there are no symptoms of pest and disease damage.