Growing houseplant eschinanthus. Aeschinanthus - creeper with unusual flowers

This article will talk about one capricious plant with a luxurious crown.

This is not a very popular plant as a houseplant, because it takes a lot of patience and proper care to grow it at home. And this is only on the shoulder experienced flower growers. But if suddenly you decide to purchase a beautifully flowering ampelous plant, then many flower growers recommend it - eschinanthus.

After reading the article, you can find out what this plant is. eschinanthus (photos and care are presented below) requires special attention to itself.

General information about the characteristics of the plant

Eschinanthus belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. This plant is known in botany as Aeschynanthus. According to some reports, the genus of these plants has approximately 80-170 varieties growing in the Asian region (in China, Indochina, India). This plant got its name with the help of a combination of 2 words (Greek), describing unusual shape its flowers: aischyneia, translated as "distorted", and the word anthos - "flower". "Lipstick flower" was dubbed by the people for the very bright color of the bracts.

This flower, like all tropical plants, loves warmth. Comfortable atmosphere for it is a warmer air temperature than for other indoor plants. And the most important feature is that for its flowering in winter period need, as for many plants, low air temperature.

Pretty light-loving. It can grow and how, therefore, it can be placed in a hanging planter or on shelves.

plant in nature

The genus of plants Eschinantus (Aeschynanthus) is a member of the huge Gesneriaceae family. In the wild, these plants grow in the humid warm regions of Asia (Southeast) and the Pacific Islands.

Under natural conditions, the flower looks quite impressive. The plant is included in the class of evergreen perennial representatives of the flora and belongs to the decorative-deciduous group. It has a gracefully curved oblong stem.

Varieties

Home flower eschinanthus has several varieties.

1. Aeschynanthus marmoratus. In translation, this means marble eschinanthus. He got his name in connection with the beautiful texture of long wax leaves (10-12 cm) - on the main dark green background there is a thick yellowish mesh. It represents the main value of this variety. And the flowers have a green color with chocolate-colored spots.

Aeschynanthus lobbianus. It's pretty interesting plant. For the first time, Aeschinanthus Lobba was discovered and classified on the island of Java. There it grows on trees, hanging beautifully with its long stems with dark green leaves. saturated shades. Pubescent with a corolla of red have a soft cream color.

Aeschynanthus speciosus. This beautiful aescinanthus(not to be confused with magnificent or beautiful). He represents himself evergreen shrub grassy. Shoots growing up to 60 cm are decorated with oblong fleshy leaves (up to 12 cm long) and groups of beautiful orange flowers(for 10-12 pieces).

Aeschynanthus pulcher. This flower is the most widespread among ornamental plants suitable for home growing. Its name is translated as "beautiful eschinanthus" or "magnificent". This flower differs from the previous species in the scarlet coloring of flowers of a slightly smaller size, red borders along the edges of the leaves and stems of the same color.

Description of the houseplant

Aeschinanthus indoor flower (see photo below) is a perennial evergreen plant. It has pointed, oval, fleshy leathery leaves at the end. IN natural conditions this flower uses the trunks and branches of other plants as its support. At home, it is usually grown in hanging pots or baskets. First of all, its appeal lies in the fact that it has beautiful, showy flowers.

They have tubular not correct form and crown the tips of the shoots or appear in the axils of the leaves. When buds appear at the ends of the shoots, flowers usually gather in beautiful inflorescences of 6-12 pieces.

Aeschinanthus flowers differ in brightness of color, from red to orange color. And the flower of the beautiful (or magnificent) eschinanthus has hanging shoots up to 50 centimeters long. The flowers of this variety are quite large (up to 8 centimeters in length) and have the shape of a narrow expanding tube.

There is a huge variety of varieties of hybrid Aeschynanthus, united under one common name - hybrid Aeschynanthus (in Latin - Aeschynanthus hibrida).

Growing at home

For home eschinanthus, it is necessary to create maximum lighting. Also, this flower has special requirements not only for watering, but also for the water itself. It needs a lot of calcium.

Although the plant is moisture-loving, it should be watered moderately, since excessive soil moisture can lead to the appearance of yellow spots on the leaves, after which they may even fall off. And when overdrying, yellowing and shedding of leaves is also observed.

This plant can be classified as a succulent, due to the ability of its leaves to accumulate moisture in itself. It can do without spraying.

Aeschinanthus indoor flower can be grown in any substrate with the addition of rippers (perlite, vermiculite, fine expanded clay).

It should be remembered that with drafts and strong temperature changes, the plant may die.

Eschinanthus can be called a semi-shrub. That's why beautiful view and decorative plant can give regular pruning. Cuttings can be placed in water until roots appear (up to 3 weeks).

correct and good care behind the plant will help strengthen its resistance to various pests. But with insufficient moisture, drafts and dampness, it can acquire gray rot. The addition of sphagnum will make the plant hygroscopic and prevent any rot from appearing on the roots of the flower.

During intensive growth, it must be sprayed warm water. Important for him and constant fertilizing with mineral fertilizers from April to September (twice a month).

reproduction

There are certain difficulties in the reproduction of this capricious plant. Transplantation of an overgrown plant is usually done in the spring, as a rule, at least once every 2-3 years. Moreover, it should be produced along with pruning the longest shoots. Overgrown plants with bare stems should be replaced with young rooted cuttings.

Aeschinanthus flower propagates by stem cuttings up to 12 cm long. They should be rooted in spring and early summer. To do this, you need a sand-peat mixture. The air temperature should be between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius.

There is another way - propagation by seeds. Small, like dust, seeds are extracted from ripe boxes and sown in an even layer on a watered substrate, and then the container is covered with glass. When the very first shoots appear, you need to move the glass a little, allowing the young to get more air. After strengthening the seedlings and growing, it can be planted in pots with a substrate of 3-5 pieces each.

You should know that root system eschinanthus is very tender, so the transplant is painful for the plant. In this regard, the most the best way- transshipment given flower at which the root is not damaged.

Transplantation should be performed every year, but this should be done before or after flowering. To do this, you need to choose a container slightly larger than the previous one, always with a hole for water drainage.

Pests and diseases

The eschinanthus flower (photos are presented in the article) is more often damaged by pests such as thrips, worms and aphids. Good prevention is essential to avoid this.

Aphids usually settle in large colonies. It quickly fills the leaves, shoots, stems and flowers. All these insects feed on the juices of the plant, which leads to deformation of the shoots and discoloration of the foliage. In this case, the buds may not open at all.

When fighting aphids, it is necessary to wipe the leaves and stems with an alcohol composition. If the pest has spread quite quickly, you need to apply insecticides (for example, actellik). Among folk methods the best remedy control is spraying with a mixture, the basis of which is hot pepper. To do this, you need about 600 grams of fresh pepper (or 200 grams of dry). It does not flood big amount water and boil for 60 minutes, and then infused for 24 hours. After filtering the solution, it can be used immediately, the remains should be stored in a glass container in a cool, dark place.

This pepper solution is mixed with soap and water (15 grams of pepper solution, 10 grams of soap and 1 liter of water). With the resulting agent, the eschinanthus is periodically sprayed until the aphid disappears completely. A week later, the procedure can be repeated for prevention purposes.

Conclusion

Pretty attractive, but capricious flower eschinanthus. Caring for him requires patience and sufficient time, but all this, on the other hand, is also a pleasure. The main thing - when growing, you should determine golden mean conditions of detention necessary for this flower.

The natural habitat of such plants (rain forests and tropical forests) and the corresponding way of life in natural conditions determine the rules for their maintenance at home. Among other things, the endurance of these flowers to some extent depends on the variety and species, but, in general, they all do not withstand sub-zero temperatures and should be grown in winter gardens, heated greenhouses and rooms with bright diffused lighting.

This exotic and delicate flower belongs to the Gesneriev family. This flower is native to India and Vietnam. This exotic plant grows well and develops indoors.

Aeschinanthus does not shed its vegetative mass for the winter period and is considered an evergreen flower. Not only does it have attractive flowers, but its greenery, which consists of shiny leaves with a beautiful pattern, attracts flower lovers. In its homeland, the plant prefers to grow in the crevices of tree branches and belongs to epiphytic plants. But the flower does not exist on the sap of the tree.

At home, a flower can grow up to a mark of 95 cm. Beautiful flexible vines hang picturesquely from the edge of the container. Along the entire length of the branch are opposite fleshy leaves with a smooth surface. The shade of the leaf plates is bright green and sometimes they are covered with a pattern of a light shade. In this case, the length of the sheet is 12 cm with a width of 4 cm.

When the flowering period begins, the ends of the shoots are covered with elongated peduncles. They are collected in sparse brushes. The blooming flowers resemble lipstick and have a bright orange-red tint to the petals. A white bract protrudes from the center of such a bud.

Types and varieties of eschinanthus

This plant has more than 200 species, but at home, people grow no more than 15.

The main crops growing in our apartments:

Aeschinanthus marble - is flexible decorative branches on which beautiful sheet plates are located. There is a variegated coloration on the plates - stripes diverge from the central vein of the leaf to the edge of the leaf. The flowers of this species are not attractive and the tubules are painted in a green tint.

Aescinanthus beautiful - This plant is quite common among flower growers. Flexible twigs grow up to 60 cm long and have fleshy dark green leaves without any pattern up to 10 cm long. It blooms in dense inflorescences of 12 scarlet tubular flowers.

Aeschinanthus Twister - in this subspecies, leaf plates of a bright green hue with a waxy coating are distinguished from all the others. He twists spirally not only the leaf plates, but also the branches grow curved. From the side, the bush looks like a curly wig. Bright red flowers grow from the axils of the leaf blades at the ends of the shoots.

Aeschinanthus Mona Lisa - in this species, the leaves are elongated oval, dark green in color and have a shiny surface of the leaf plate. The central vein is clearly visible on the leaves. Blooms with red flowers. The main distinguishing feature is that the species is not the most capricious when cultivated at home.

Aeschinanthus Lobba - shoots of this variety have a reddish tint and small leaves with a light underside are located on it. It blooms in dense tassels with carmine-colored flowers.

Each type of Aeschinanthus is good in its own way, and many flower growers can afford to collect a complete collection of the most popular varieties of this plant.

Rules for home care

After that, Eschinanthus will require a transplant from purchased soil to specialized soil. It can be purchased ready-made at garden centers or you can make it yourself by taking all the ingredients in equal proportions:

leaf ground;

Large river sand;

Moss sphagnum;

Charcoal;

coconut fibre.

Immediately after transplantation, it is not necessary to expose the container with the flower to the bright sun.

An important role in growing a flower will have such parameters as temperature, reproduction, planting and watering the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to dwell on these factors in more detail.

Content temperature and humidity

It is worth noting that in summer the air temperature is suitable for Eschinanthus within 24 degrees Celsius. If the temperature creeps up, it is necessary to provide the plant with higher air humidity, since at elevated temperatures the plant falls into a state of stagnation and ceases to absorb water through the root system. The best solution will bring the flower into the room where the working air conditioner is located, but if it is not there, then put it on the floor of the room oriented to the north.

In order for the plant to bloom in the summer, it just needs to be given rest for the winter months. At the same time, the temperature in the room where the flower stands should not be higher than +16 degrees.

Since the flower needs moisture in the summer, you should not forget about regular spraying with a fine spray from a spray bottle.

Reproduction of the eschinanthus

This plant can be propagated with:

seed propagation ;

Vegetative way .

With the help of seed propagation, the flower reproduces very difficultly, and this is mainly used by breeders when breeding a new variety of Eschinanthus. But if you really need to carry out such reproduction, here are the main recommendations for growing seeds:

You will need coarse river sand and peat. The two components are mixed, taken in equal proportions, and disinfected. The procedure for disinfecting the mixture can be carried out by calcining it in the oven for 20 minutes at a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius or by putting the mixture of soils in freezer refrigerator for a day;

The prepared soil is poured into a container, in which there must be drainage holes to drain excess water after watering;

The poured soil is moistened with warm water with potassium permanganate diluted in it to Pink colour. After that, the seeds are sown;

The sown seeds are covered with transparent glass or film to create greenhouse conditions for germinating seeds;

The room in which the seeds will germinate should be bright and warm, the air temperature should not fall below 25 degrees Celsius.

Having done all these recommendations, it remains to wait for the moment when the seeds begin to germinate. When most of the seeds appear above the ground, the cover is removed from the container and the container is placed in a bright place, but not in direct sun, since the sprouts are still weak. When the seedlings of Eschinanthus grow up, they dive, planting them in separate cups right size 2-3 seedlings.

But most often Aeschinanthus is propagated vegetatively. During the entire warm season, you can use the apical petioles for reproduction. When cutting cuttings, you should pay attention that the cutting must have at least 2 developed internodes. The lower cut is treated with any solution for the formation of roots and planted in nutritious and loose soil with the addition of sphagnum moss. In order for the cutting to take root, it needs to create greenhouse conditions, for this it is worth covering the cuttings with transparent plastic or glass containers, while the ambient temperature in the room should be at around 25 degrees Celsius.

When the root system appears, the cuttings are gradually accustomed to the environment, sometimes removing the jar for a short time. The appearance of roots will be easy to notice if the cuttings are planted in transparent plastic cups, which must have drainage holes. The grown cuttings are planted in cups corresponding to the size of the root system.

Reproduction is also carried out using a leaf plate cut off near the very base.

Planting and transplanting eschinanthus

Transplantation is carried out only in spring time, because after winter dormancy Aeschinanthus actively moves into growth. The pot is selected one where the width is much greater than the height and the size should be 3-4 cm larger in diameter than the previous container. The soil is purchased ready. A soil that is designed for growing orchids or for Uzumbar violets has proven itself well. If there is no such soil, then it is made up independently, as described above.

Transplant technique :

At the bottom of the pot, drainage is poured with a layer of at least 2 cm.

Then they put 2 cm of nutrient soil and, carefully removing the plant from the old container, transfer it to a new one.

The void between the old earth and the walls of the pot is covered with new earth, lightly tamping it with your fingers to get rid of the voids in the soil.

After transplantation, it is necessary to water with warm water.

Watering the Aeschynanthus

It must be remembered that Eschinanthus should be watered with water that has been settled for a day with a temperature of 30 degrees. The frequency of watering is once every 7 days, but at the same time it is necessary to try the soil in a container, because between waterings it should dry out by 1/3 of its volume.

Aeschynanthus lighting

Eschinanthus prefers good lighting, but the direct sun can cause burn spots on the leaf plates of the plant, especially in the summer. Burn spots are not treated and over time, the burnt foliage disappears.

The best habitat in the apartment will be the eastern window, or if the apartment has only windows with a southern direction, then the flower is placed on the table and fenced off from the sun with tulle.

Pruning eschinanthus

It is carried out immediately after the Aeschinanthus blooms, and they do it annually. All branches are shortened by 1/3 of their length. Cut branches can be used for propagation. All this will stimulate the growth of side shoots, and the bush will grow lush and beautiful.

Diseases and pests of the eschinanthus

When a flower is cultivated in poor conditions, not suitable for its normal growth, various diseases can occur:

Spider mite - this pest appears during dry periods or if the flower is rarely watered and the air is not humidified in the place where it stands. To get rid of it, you need to wipe the entire web from the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Then treat the entire vegetative part of the flower with Aktellik's solution, and pour the soil into which Aeschinanthus is planted with the remaining solution. Processing is carried out three times with an interval of 7 days.

Thrips - they are easy to spot by the small white spots that appear on the leaf plates. They get rid of them with the help of the same Aktellik, or you can apply Fitoverm.

Gray rot - manifests itself with excess moisture and low temperature. If this disease is detected, it is necessary to raise the temperature of the content and reduce the humidity of both air and soil. Then treat with any appropriate fungicide.

Aeschinanthus is a rather beautiful flower, which some flower growers consider capricious. But actually it is not. You just need to properly care for him, creating for him such living conditions that they correspond to those in his homeland. For the sake of spectacular flowering and beautiful leaf mass, you can try to recreate them at home.

To say that Aeschinanthus is a very popular indoor plant is only a very big stretch. In care, Aeschinanthus is a very capricious plant. Representatives of the Gesneriaceae family, such as achimenes, do not differ much in care, but the Aeschinanthus is perhaps the most demanding flower.

Flower growers give everything when caring for this plant: they feed it, the care is the best, they arrange dances with tambourines around it, but it doesn’t want to bloom! In fact, it is very difficult to determine what he does not like. But with very strong patience and good proper care, for patient flower growers, it will definitely bloom!

The temperature of the content of the escinanthus

A strong temperature drop and drafts can destroy the plant. Be careful! Like everyone else tropical plants, this flower loves warmth. For him comfortable temperature slightly higher than other houseplants are accustomed to. Its temperature is +20-25 degrees Celsius. The biggest secret of flowering is its content in winter. As with so many plants, he needs a lower temperature. At low temperatures, there is a high probability of early bud set, which may already appear in early spring.

plant lighting

Aeschinanthus is a rather light-loving plant. In this one more little secret. Some growers make a very big mistake! The fact is that the flower can grow as an ampelous plant, so it is often placed in hanging planters, on different shelves and coasters, without worrying about lighting.

As practice shows, such places are not always illuminated. Of course, as leafy ornamental plant, it will look very beautiful, but the likelihood of flowers is reduced. Therefore, try to provide the eschananthus with the most sufficient lighting. Protect the plant from direct sunlight.

Watering a flower

Eschinanthus has special requirements for water. It should not contain a lot of calcium. If your city has hard water, it should be softened. Although the flower is moisture-loving, it has to be watered moderately. Because of excess moisture in the soil, the flower may have yellow spots on the leaves, and later they may even fall off. Water it when the topsoil dries out. Beware of overdrying the soil, otherwise the plant may die. As well as when the plant is overflowing, and when the eschinanthus is dried out, its leaves turn yellow and crumble.

Humidity in the room

Eschinanthus leaves can accumulate moisture, this plant could be attributed to succulents. It can easily tolerate low humidity. This houseplant can do without spraying. But, it is still possible to pamper him with spraying. In order to have a beautiful luxurious plant, in spring and on hot days in summer, be sure to spray the eschananthus at least once a day.

Top dressing of the eschinanthus

It is best to feed him complex mineral fertilizer for flowering plants. This is best done in small half doses. Top dressing should be carried out from April to September, twice a month. Eschinanthus can grow in any nutrient substrate, with the addition of rippers, such as perlite, fine expanded clay, vermiculite.

It is better to make such land for a flower: two parts of leafy soil, one part of sphagnum moss, two parts of peat, one part of sand. Don't forget good drainage! Such a composition of the earth will perfectly pass air. The addition of sphagnum will provide the plant with hygroscopicity and prevent the appearance of rot on the roots of the flower. Transplanting can be done both before flowering and after.

Flower pruning and rejuvenation

Practically, the eschinanthus is a semi-shrub. This means that in order for the plant to have a beautiful appearance and decorative effect, it needs to be pruned regularly. It should be pruned immediately after flowering. Pinching and sanitary pruning can be done during the entire growing season. Unfortunately, the beauty and decorativeness of this flower can not be preserved for long. When the plant reaches the age of five, its flowers lose their beauty due to long shoots and strong exposure of the lower part. Therefore, after five years, the plant must be replaced with a young one.

Reproduction of the eschinanthus

Propagated by cuttings. You need to take 8-10 cm upper cuttings with 5-6 knots. The lower leaves must be removed. Soak in water until roots germinate. You can also plant the cuttings in a wet mixture of sand and peat. If you process it with Kornevin, make a mini-greenhouse and lower heating, then of course, the cutting will take root sooner. You can also cover with a plastic bag. Within two to three weeks, the cuttings take root.

Diseases and pests

With good and proper care of this houseplant, it is quite resistant to various pests. The most common problem is leaf drop and yellowing. It is due to the fact that the plant is over-watered or, on the contrary, the earth is too dry. The leaves may also turn yellow from very low temperatures, drafts, or lack of light. With insufficient moisture, dampness and drafts, the plant can become infected with gray rot.

Aeschynanthus (aeschynanthus) belongs to the Gesneriev family and is an evergreen perennial plant, which in nature grows as an epiphyte (grows on another plant). At home, it is grown as an ampelous culture, since the flower has hanging stems with beautiful leaves and unusual buds. The succulent-type fleshy, leathery leaves are bright green in color and have pointed tips. Orange or red brightly colored flowers are formed in the axils of the leaves or collected in apical inflorescences in the form of corymbs. Unusual flowers consist of a maroon bract and a corolla-tube with a two-lipped limb. With proper care, the flowering of Aeschinanthus occurs twice from spring to autumn.

In nature, aeschynanthus is found in tropical rainforests and on the edges of the islands of the Malay Archipelago, in Southeast and South Asia. Here it can be presented in the form of a liana, a shrub or even a herbaceous plant.

At home, Aeschinanthus is grown in hanging pots or tall flowerpots. Breeders have bred varieties with an unusual color for natural flowers. Their buds can be lilac, red, orange, pink or tricolor. Tricolors are distinguished by red buds with black and yellow stripes.

Among flower growers, the following types and varieties are most popular:

1. Aeschinanthus Mona Lisa - an exotic plant with creeping or climbing stems that can grow in length from 30 to 90 cm. Shiny, leathery, pointed, oval leaves of Mona Lisa are up to five centimeters long and dark green in color. The tubular reddish-orange flowers open and bloom in summer.
2. Aeschinanthus Beautiful easily recognizable by its soft, red-tinted stems, green-red oval leaves and conical flowers with a pink throat and a velvety bright red corolla.
3. Aeschinanthus Lobba is a plant with curly, soft, light green stems and oval dark green leaves. Its hairy, two-lipped tube flowers are creamy yellow and the corolla is red.
4. Aeschinanthus the Magnificent has a second name - Beautiful. The variety is distinguished by a narrowish stem up to sixty centimeters long, leaves up to ten centimeters long, slightly serrated along the edges. Oval-lanceolate leaflets can be located on the stem in three pieces or oppositely. The flowers grow on very short stalks. They are collected in bundles of several pieces and have a red limb, a yellow corolla tube and an orange throat at the base with a bordered black spot.
   
5. Aeschinanthus Twister differs from its counterparts in glossy, dark green, bent to the bottom, as if curled leaves. Against the backdrop of unusual, beautiful foliage, tubular ruby ​​flowers look great.
6. Aeschinanthus Marble valued for its unusually colored leaves. They have olive color and light-colored veining. As a result, it seems that they are marble. Bottom leaves are brown. Light green tubular buds are not very decorative.
7. Eschinanthus Carolina flower growers love beautiful bloom rich burgundy flowers. Hanging stems are strewn with elongated leaves up to eight centimeters long. Young leaves are slightly raised.
8. Aeschinanthus Tricolor differs in a peculiar form and unusual coloring of buds. The base of their calyx can be bright red to pink. The whole flower below and above is as if painted with black stripes. The leaves of the plant are small, rounded, light green.
9. Echinanthus Fire Bird got its name from bright inflorescences which combine red, orange and yellow in color. They look very beautiful on the rich green foliage of the plant.

Aeschynanthus (Aeschynanthus) - photo, home care

Many flower growers consider this beautiful ampelous flower fussy. However, if you study all the rules for caring for him, you can understand that there is nothing complicated in growing Aeschinanthus.

Eschinanthus transplant after purchase

IN flower shops most often sold flowering plants. It is not recommended to transplant them immediately after purchase.. When a flower changes places, it will get stressed and can not be relieved at home. a large number of buds. If he is still disturbed by a transplant, then all the buds and even a certain number of leaves may fall off. Transplanting is best done after flowering.

Bushes should be transplanted after flowering or in spring, at the initial stage growing season. If you purchased a non-flowering plant, then it is transplanted from a store transport pot into hanging pot a little bigger size. The new container should be only 2 centimeters larger. In a large pot, the growth of the plant will stop, and it will not bloom until the roots grow and fill the entire volume of the earth.

Transplant procedure:

1. Wide, shallow pots with drainage holes are recommended. Their bottom is first covered with expanded clay or other type of drainage, after which a small layer of nutrient soil is poured.
2. From the old container, carefully, along with a clod of earth, a bush is taken. Everything is done carefully so as not to damage the leaves and roots. The transfer method is used so that the plant does not have stress, and it quickly adapts and begins to grow in a new pot.
3. The bush, together with an earthen clod, is installed on the ground in the center of the pot. Its roots around and from above are covered with prepared soil mixture.
4. Aeschinanthus with long stems are often grown on a support, which is installed during transplantation.
5. The flower transplanted into a new pot is watered, the leaked water is drained from the pan, and the pot is hung or set in place with diffused light.

Soil for Aeschinanthus can be purchased at the store, making sure that it meets the following requirements:

• high nutritional value;
• sufficient friability (water should not stagnate in the soil);
• neutral acidity or slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0.

You can use a universal soil mixture by adding coarse sand, the finest drainage or vermiculite to it. A bromeliad substrate will also work.

You can prepare the soil yourself at home. To do this, mix:

• leaf ground - 2 parts;
• coarse sand - 1 part;
• peat - 1 part;
• humus - 1 part.

To protect the soil from the formation of rot, mold and souring, you can add small pieces of charcoal to it. Before use, any substrate should be disinfected.

Young Aeschinanthus are transplanted every spring into a new pot. Adult specimens do not need large containers and they grow and bloom well in a tight pot. They can be left undisturbed for 3-4 years.

Site selection - lighting

When caring for the eschinanthus, you need to keep in mind that it should not be placed where direct sunlight falls.

It is preferable to grow the plant near the western or eastern windows. . But it is not recommended to place them in the depths of the apartment. In the shade, leaves will fall and flowering will stop.

On the southern windows, the flower can be grown in winter. In spring and especially in summer, shading will be needed, for which you can use a curtain.

On the north windows in winter time of the year the plant may not have enough light, and it will shed its leaves.

Eschinanthus marble there may not be enough lighting to preserve its beautiful multi-colored foliage in winter. If the pattern on the leaves began to disappear, then they use additional lighting with a phytolamp.

Temperature and humidity

In the warm season, the plant requires an air temperature in the range of + 23 ... + 26 degrees. An exotic flower does not like drafts, cool conditions and heat. Sudden changes in temperature will also negatively affect its growth and development.

After flowering in autumn, when the dormant period begins, the temperature gradually drops to +18 degrees. This mode is necessary for the plant to rest and gain strength before a new flowering. It is in cool conditions in winter that new buds are laid.

A tropical flower loves high humidity, so when caring for it, a spraying procedure should be carried out. If the room is hot, then you will need to spray the leaves once or even twice a day. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that water does not fall on the buds! The leaves will become fresher and more beautiful if they are regularly wiped from dust with a damp sponge.

When wintering, plants in cool conditions do not spray.. But if heating radiators work in the apartment, then a higher air humidity must be organized around the bush. To do this, you can use pallets with wet expanded clay, moss or other filler.

Watering and feeding

When caring for the Aeschinanthus, it should be watered so that the earth in the pot does not turn sour, but does not dry out either. Watering during the period of active growth is carried out approximately once a week. But this is the case if the bush is grown under optimal conditions for it. If the room is hot, then the frequency of watering increases.

Watering should be plentiful so that the earthen lump is completely wet. After a short period of time, the water that flows into the pan is drained. Otherwise, the lower roots will begin to turn sour and rot.

In cool conditions in winter, watering is reduced. You need to wait until the soil dries out and water the plant in a day or two. Otherwise, all the time wet soil and cool conditions can provoke root rot. The plant should be watered with settled water. room temperature.

Care exotic flower also includes top dressing, which are carried out during the period of active growth. In winter, fertilizers are not applied. And from April to October, two or three times a month, the eschinanthus are fed with fertilizers for flowering plants:

1. Fertilizers that do not contain large amounts of nitrogen are used. Otherwise, the bush will increase the green mass, and you can not wait for flowering.
2. When top dressing organic fertilizers alternate with minerals.
3. The dose of top dressing written in the instructions is diluted with twice as much water as recommended by the manufacturer. You should get a less concentrated fertilizer than for other plants.
4. Feed should be after watering, otherwise you can burn the roots.

For eschinanthus, foliar top dressing can be used. In this case, the dosage and concentration of the fertilizer should be even less. After spraying, the flower is removed from bright color until the leaves are dry.

pruning

In order for the plant to look decorative at home, when caring for it, it is required sanitary pruning. Only bushy eschinanthus are subjected to such a procedure. Ampel specimens do not require pruning. However, broken and dried branches should be cut off from any kind of plant, otherwise it will become untidy and ugly.

Too long stems are shortened by two-thirds of the length in spring. Such a procedure will stimulate the formation of new young shoots, and the bush will be more lush.

To stimulate branching, you can pinch the tops of young stems if buds have not yet formed on them.

In adult plants, by about five years of age, the stems are exposed and stretched. As a result, the bush loses its former decorative beautiful appearance. But you shouldn't get upset. Aeschinanthus can be rejuvenated, for which bare ugly shoots are cut off and used for rooting.

Reproduction of eschinanthus at home

Exotic plants propagate quite easily by cuttings and even leaves.

For propagation by cuttings cut off and divided into segments of the stem. Each cutting should have several leaves and buds (4-5). The leaves are removed from the bottom of the segments, and the cutting is placed in a growth stimulator. You can use Heterouxin, Epin, Kornevin.

Prepared cuttings placed in a wet mixture of sand and peat (1: 1) to a depth of two centimeters. From above they are covered with a transparent plastic bottle, glass jar or just a plastic bag.

The container with the cuttings is placed in a warm, well-lit place. where direct sunlight does not reach. Caring for rooted cuttings is to keep the soil moist.

From rooted cuttings gradually remove the transparent cap, after which they are transplanted into a permanent pot. To make a beautiful bush, several cuttings are planted in one pot at once, and their tops are pinched.

The procedure for propagating eschinanthus with a leaf exactly the same, only the leaves should be rooted, which are cut off with a small part of the shoot. They will take root for about a month.

Possible difficulties in growing eschinanthus

Mistakes in care, improper placement of the bush and pests can lead to the loss of decorativeness of the flower and the lack of flowering. Explore the main reasons:

If you encounter the above difficulties when growing the Aeschinanthus, then you should study their causes and reconsider the care of the plant. By following all the above rules for care, you will get a beautiful, decorative bush that will delight with its unusual flowering.

Aeschynanthus (Aeschynanthus) is a plant of amazing beauty, common in South America, South-East Asia as well as in the Malay Islands. Prefers a tropical climate, belongs to epiphytic plants of the Gesneriaceae family. In nature, there are about 100 species of eschinanthus, among which there are both herbaceous plants, and creepers, and shrubs. In appearance, these flowers are similar to columnae, but differ in the size and shape of the buds. The genus name comes from Greek words aischyneia and anthos, which means “distorted flower”. Aeschinanthus flowers are bright and large, red, orange, burgundy, crimson. Plants living in natural conditions can reach 70 centimeters in length, while the leaves grow up to 10 centimeters. Bloom from June to October.

Purple buds of Aeschynanthus "Mona Lisa"

Taking the natural varieties of the plant as a basis, breeders have bred many varieties for growing at home. Indoor flowers of Aescinanthus, depending on the variety, can be either all shades of red and orange, or multi-colored with black or yellow stripes, lilac with dark patches.

Interesting fact. Popular beliefs they say that the eschinanthus belongs to the "muzhegonny" houseplants. According to legend, if a woman is fond of growing these flowers, not a single man will stay in her house for a long time. But these are just prejudices.

Let's take a closer look at the varieties of eschinanthus that are most adapted to growing at home.

1. Aeschinanthus Mona Lisa. When compared with other varieties, the least capricious. It blooms with bright red large buds. Grown in the ampel way.
2. "Twister" - a variety of Aeschinanthus with twisted shiny dark green leaves, blooms with buds of a red-orange hue. It is also grown in the ampel way - in hanging planters or on specially equipped shelves.
3. "Carolina" - rather large leaves in the shape of an ellipse, burgundy cups of lights.
4. "Marble" variety. The name was given due to the original color of large leathery leaves: green above with orange splashes, below - brown with purple overflow, decorated with a marble pattern. Flowers yellow-brown.
5. "Aeschinanthus beautiful" - bright green leaves, red flowers, bloom at the ends of long stems and have a tubular shape. Buds are formed in one peduncle of 10 - 12 pieces.
6. "Aeschinanthus is beautiful" - in comparison with other varieties, the leaves are small, the buds are bright red on the outside and pink inside. It blooms, like the previous variety, in a "bundle", tubular cups, can reach 7 centimeters.

"Bunch" of inflorescences of Aeschinanthus "Beautiful".

There is an opinion among flower growers that Aeschinanthus is a rather finicky plant, and caring for it is difficult. On the one hand, this is true. However, if you strictly follow all the rules and persevere towards the goal, a guest from the tropics will certainly please abundant flowering and a magnificent view with large leaves, which in themselves look quite original.

Watering and feeding

Like any tropical plant, Aeschinanthus loves moist air. In hot weather, you need to spray the plant at least once a day. For spraying use soft water with a low calcium content. In winter, spraying is stopped.

For irrigation, soft purified water at room temperature is also used. Water procedures should be moderate as the top layer of the earth dries out. The soil moisture level can be checked with a long piece of wood. During the dormant period, watering is halved. During active growth (March - September), the eschinanthus flower needs to be fed twice a month. Use liquid mineral fertilizers.

Air temperature and lighting

Caring for the Aeschinanthus at home implies the presence of the correct light and air temperature. Preferably soft diffused lighting. The main thing is that the flower is not in direct sunlight. In the summer, it is better to shade it by placing it among others, more large plants to the east or west window. In winter, you can keep the eschinanthus on the south window. If you notice that the leaves of the plant turn yellow, it does not have enough light. Lighting can be added artificially using a phytolamp.

For flowering eschinanthus, the optimum temperature will be from 22 to 25 degrees. The plant does not favor drafts and sudden hypothermia. Even with the slightest cooling, it can shed both buds and leaves. As for the dormant period (from November to February), 16 - 18 degrees of heat will be enough for the flower.

Transplant Features

Plant transplantation is carried out by a "transshipment" method. The soil from the roots is not completely cleaned, they simply transfer the flower from one pot to another without destroying the earthen clod. The new container should be slightly larger than the old one. If you take a pot that is too voluminous for transplanting, the plant will use all its strength to form new roots. And this will interfere with flowering.

Soil for transplanting can be used both purchased and made independently. It is necessary to mix 2 parts of leafy soil and peat and 1 part of sand, moss and sphagnum. For greater lightness and breathability, you can add pieces of charcoal to the soil. At the bottom of the pot, be sure to put a layer of expanded clay. This will prevent moisture stagnation and root rot.

Young plants need an annual spring transplant, adults change their place of residence every 2 to 3 years.

Rejuvenation and pruning of the eschinanthus

In order for the plant to have an attractive appearance and the correct shape, it is necessary to cut it regularly. The procedure is carried out immediately after the end of flowering, pinching or carefully cutting off the top two leaves from each crown.

Unfortunately for lovers of indoor flowers, it is extremely difficult to maintain the decorative effect of this species for a long time. Upon reaching the age of five, the plant loses its beauty. The shoots become too long, the flowers are small, the lower part is exposed. This suggests that it is time to replace the flower with a young one.

Propagation of eschinanthus by cuttings

For the procedure, the upper cuttings are taken with 5-6 knots about 10 centimeters long. Further propagation involves removing the lower leaves and placing the cutting in a container of water until roots form. This takes approximately 2-3 weeks. As soon as the roots appear, young plant transplanted into a small pot.

Propagation of Aeschinanthus by cuttings is a rooted young plant.

To make rooting faster, you can use a wet mixture of sand and peat instead of water, and treat the tip of the cutting with Kornevin. The lower heating of the container and a polyethylene cap will also help the formation of roots. In this case, the greenhouse should be ventilated daily to prevent the formation of mold.

What is sick eschinanthus?

The plant is susceptible to infection with gray rot, as well as powdery mildew. Both diseases are manifested due to too low a temperature or too high humidity. In the first case, a solution of foundationazole will help. In the second - garlic juice mixed with water in equal proportions.

Marble eschinanthus in dormant period.

When growing Aeschinanthus, some flower growers face problems, the cause of which they cannot determine. The following tips will serve as a kind of guiding star in plant care:

• brown spots on the leaves - the use of too cold water for watering and spraying;
• the flower loses leaves in the cold period of time - low temperature in room;
• sheds leaves in summer - there is not enough moisture, the earthen lump is overdried;
• dry tips on the leaves - low humidity, the plant is hot;
• the eschananthus bloomed, but dropped the unopened buds - most likely, the pot was moved from place to place - the plant does not like this during the flowering period.

Important observation! If the aescinanthus does not bloom, it means that it was too hot during the period of bud formation. From mid-December to mid-January, it is recommended to place the plant in a stressful situation - reduce the temperature of the content to 15 degrees. Also, the flower will never throw out buds in a too dark room.

Blooming buds of Aeschynanthus "Twister".

You can buy eschinanthus at any specialized store. The cost depends on the type of plant. For example, for the Mona Lisa eschinanthus, the price ranges from 900 to 1200 rubles. The maximum cost of a plant reaches 2,000 rudders.

Allergists warn that a skin allergy in the form of urticaria can develop on the juice from the leaves of the escinanthus. Therefore, be careful when caring for the plant, especially during transplantation and reproduction. Use rubber gloves.