Pyrostegia

Family. Bignoniaceae.

Origin. Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay.  

Description. Pyrostegia is a large, perennial, evergreen, fast-growing vine. The stems of pyrostegia reach a length of 6 m. The plant has compound leaves, consisting of 2 - 3 dark green, glossy segments of an oblong-lanceolate shape, 5 - 7 cm long, the central segment bears long thin tendrils, with the help of which the vine clings to the support. In the warm season, hanging inflorescences appear on the tops of the stems, consisting of 15 - 20 long - from 4 to 8 cm, tubular, orange flowers. The flowering is so abundant that the foliage is completely hidden by the blossoming buds.

Height. The length of the shoots reaches 6 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Throughout the year it can be kept at normal room temperature; during the winter dormancy period it can be placed in a cool room with a temperature of at least 12°C. 

Lighting

The plant is placed in a sunny place. Direct sunlight is necessary for the formation of buds. When grown as an ornamental foliage species, the liana can be placed in partial shade.

Care

If the pyrostegia becomes too large, it is cut off after flowering. Pruning side branches stimulates abundant flowering. Provide the plant with support, which it will quickly weave around.

Substrate

The flower is grown in moist but well-drained soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH in the range of 5.5–7.5.

Feeding

Feed the bush with liquid fertilizers twice a month during the period of active growth.

Purpose

A very large species that is used for landscaping spacious areas - halls, corridors and offices.

Flowering time

June - July; flowers may appear periodically at any other time of the year. 

Air humidity

It is worth periodically spraying the leaves of the plant to prevent the appearance of pests such as red spider mites. To increase air humidity, use a room humidifier or a tray of wet pebbles. Pyrostegia prefers constantly ventilated areas with a good flow of fresh air. 

Soil moisture

Young vines are watered quite often. Adult specimens are quite drought-resistant. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced in accordance with the temperature.

Transfer

Replanting is done annually in spring, as the plant develops very quickly. For large tub vines, the top layer of soil is replaced with fresh soil every year.

Reproduction

Semi-ripe stem cuttings, layering, in spring and summer. Root in a mixture of peat and sand. Seeds sown in spring. 

Pests and diseases

The most common insects that appear are aphids and spider mites.