Podranea

Family. Bignoniaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Podranea is a large perennial liana with long shoots. The leaves are glossy, dark green, complex - consisting of several narrow lanceolate segments. Flowers are 5 cm in diameter, funnel-shaped, with 5 pink, rounded petals and a yellowish neck, collected in large inflorescences at the tops of the shoots. Less common are species with white and lilac buds. When the temperature drops to 13 ° C, the plants shed their leaves.

Height. Under good maintenance conditions can add about 3m in height per season. In the natural environment, the height can reach 10 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Normal room temperature during growth period. The rest period should take place in a cool place - at a temperature of 7 - 10 ° C. Do not expose the podranea to temperatures below 6 ° C. 

Lighting

At least 3 or 4 hours of direct sun per day in the morning or evening hours. When grown in partial shade, flowering will be less abundant, but it is better to protect the leaves from direct sun during the day. During the dormant period, the plants shed their leaves, and lighting does not play any role.

Care

Remove faded inflorescences and old branches. To maintain a neat appearance. The liana is cut back radically before new growth begins, at the end of winter. Podranea can be placed outside in summer. Long stems can be supported with a support.

Substrate

Well-drained soil with a high sand content with a pH of 5.5 - 6.5. A mixture of equal parts peat and garden soil is suitable. Adapts well to most soil types that have good drainage and are rich in nutrients. 

Feeding

Apply low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season.  

Purpose

Can be used as a ground cover plant or in vertical gardening.

Flowering time

Throughout the summer. 

Air humidity

Spray the foliage or place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles. It is especially important to monitor the air humidity with the onset of the heating season.

Soil moisture

Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, and do not allow the soil to dry out. In winter, reduce watering in accordance with the temperature - let the soil dry to half its depth before the next watering. 

Transfer

Every spring in a larger pot. In adult large plants, it is enough to replace the top layer of soil with fresh one.

Reproduction

Cuttings 13 - 15 cm long, in summer. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting powder and place in a moist mixture of peat and sand. Cover the seedlings with a transparent plastic cap or glass and place in a warm place with a temperature of 21 - 25 ° C without access to direct sunlight. Rooting occurs within 1.5 - 2 months. Seeds are sown in the spring, but their germination leaves much to be desired. Air layering. 

Pests and diseases

Leaves turn yellow when overwatered; allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings. When replanting, pay attention to drainage. Leaf tips dry out if the indoor air is too dry. Root rot may occur if water stagnates. Without pruning, the vine exposes the lower part of the stems.

Pests that may appear include spider mites, aphids, scale insects and whiteflies.  

Note

Podranea lives a very long time indoors when grown in the right conditions. The plant often becomes less beautiful with age as the stem becomes bare at the bottom.