Other Gesneriads in Demand – Aeschynanthus, Columnea

Aeschynanthus (trichosporum)

Bright red tubular flowers from leathery vaselike calyxes, waxy oval leaves and a graceful vinelike growth distinguish aeschynanthus (trichosporum). These make excellent pot or hanging basket plants. They can be grown in any soil suitable for gloxinias or African violets, in any of the mixtures, as peatmoss, sphagnum moss, and chicken grits or equal parts of osmunda fiber or shredded bark and peatmoss, and in the same temperature recommended for African violets. Culture is easy.

Aeschynanthus lohbianus has dark green leaves and scarlet flowers spilling from purple-brown calyxes; A. marmoratus is characterized by variegated light and dark green leaves, maroon beneath. The flower, less showy than that of A. lobbianus, is reddish orange. A vigorous species with long waxy green leaves and bright orange flowers is A. speciosus. Propagate these plants through cuttings or seed.

Columnea

Columneas are handsome trailers. One grower who specializes in orchids and columneas considers his older columnea plants covered with flowers more spectacular than many of the orchids. Species include the yellow-flowered C. tulae var. flava, the red-flowered C. Alleni, C. Banksi with shiny leaves, and C. gloriosa with small, hairy, near-brown leaves. Grow these trailers in soil or “substance” as suggested for aeschynanthus. They are warm-house plants responding to the same light conditions as African violets. Propagation is through cuttings or seeds.

Columneas are collectors’ items for you to grow only in the warm greenhouse. C. tulae however makes an interesting house plant, and being a yellow-flowered gesneriad, it is popular with African violet and gloxinia fanciers. Cuttings of these plants ship well and most collectors will purchase rooted or unrooted ones. A single, well-grown, 2-year-old plant will produce a dozen or more cuttings which sell generally for about 35 cents apiece unrooted, 50 cents rooted.

Tags: home greenhouse

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