Isotoma hybrida

Family. Campanulaceae.

Origin. Australia.

Description. Isotoma is a neat, compact, perennial plant. The stems are branched, short, vertical, and become woody with age. The leaves are green, oblong, the leaf blades have large teeth along the edge. The flowers are fragrant, star-shaped, with 5 long petals, white, lilac or blue, often completely hiding the plant.

Height. Up to 30 cm.

Planting and care

Temperature

Tolerates a wide range of temperature conditions, excluding frost.

Reproduction - growing from seeds 

By seeds and division of adult large plants during transplantation. 

Lighting for the flower

A brightly lit location without direct sunlight during the daytime. It grows well under artificial lighting using fluorescent lamps. 

Care

After flowering, the stems of the plant are trimmed to give a compact shape.

Soil for isotoma

Nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Feeding

During the growing season, 2 times a month with water-soluble fertilizers.

Purpose

An excellent ground cover plant, suitable for landscaping balconies, loggias and terraces. Looks great when grown in a hanging basket.

Flowering time

From spring to autumn. The flowering period is long - one plant can bloom for a month.   With proper care, repeated flowering is often observed throughout the year. 

Air humidity

Spray if the indoor air becomes too dry.

Irrigation

Watering is uniform during the growing season. In the autumn-winter period, the frequency of watering is slightly reduced.

Transfer

As needed to change the soil or when the pot becomes too small for the plant.

Pests and diseases

If the isotoma does not receive enough light, its leaves turn pale, the plant becomes elongated, grows slowly and blooms reluctantly. If exposed to direct sunlight, the plant may get sunburned.

Of the harmful insects, plants can be attacked by aphids and spider mites. 

Note

All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Handling the bushes without protective gloves may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.