Pandorea

Family. Bignoniaceae.

Origin. Australia.

Description. Pandorea is a climbing evergreen vine. The leaves are green, compound, consist of 5 - 7 lanceolate, glossy leaflets 4 - 7 cm long, arranged oppositely or in whorls of 3. The leaf blades have small denticles along the edge. The flowers are white or pink, often with a darker center, funnel-shaped, up to 6 cm long, with rounded petals, collected in small inflorescences. Flowering is very abundant.

Height. Grows quickly and in open ground reaches a height of 15 m. In indoor culture, its size can be kept under control by pruning.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Pandorea is thermophilic, in spring and summer it is kept at a normal room temperature of about 20° C. In winter, it is better to bring the plant into a cool room. The bush can withstand short-term frosts.

Lighting

It can successfully grow in partial shade, but flowering will be abundant only with good lighting. Provide a place where shoots and leaves will receive 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day in the morning and evening hours.

Care

The flower is unpretentious and does not require much time and effort for proper maintenance. After flowering, long stems can be shortened to the desired size. Provide support for growth if you want to get a large bush.

Substrate

Fertile, well-drained soil with a high content of organic matter in the form of peat, leaf humus, with the addition of well-rotted manure and coarse river sand to improve drainage. 

Feeding

During the growing season, feed with water-soluble fertilizer every week. In the fall, feeding is stopped and resumed only with the beginning of new growth in the spring.

Purpose

A spectacular flowering plant.

Flowering time

Spring – summer, the specific flowering period depends on the selected variety. 

Air humidity

At normal room temperature, pandorea can adapt to dry air, but when it gets hot, it will need additional moisture. Place a tray of wet pebbles near the plant or spray the leaves with soft water at room temperature. 

Soil moisture

During the growing season, water generously until the soil ball is completely wet. In spring and summer, the soil should be evenly moist, but not waterlogged. In winter, when the bush is dormant, reduce the frequency of watering.

Transfer

Even adult specimens need to be replanted annually into larger pots. The flower has a fairly powerful root system and requires large containers.

Reproduction

Propagated by stem cuttings about 8 cm long. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings, and the base is dusted with growth hormones. Young seedlings are covered with a plastic bag or glass to maintain uniform humidity. Air layering and seeds in spring and summer.

Pests and diseases

Pandorea can rot if there is insufficient drainage.

Of the harmful insects, the flower can be bothered by mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, and spider mites.