Quisqualis 

Family. Combretaceae.

Origin. Tropics of Asia.

Description. Quisqualis is a very beautiful tropical evergreen and fast growing plant - a liana, up to 2.5 m long. The flowers are unusual - funnel-shaped, with a long flower tube, 5 oblong petals, white as soon as they open and pink, crimson or red when flowering, with very strong, sweet, fruity aroma, collected in hanging clusters. Each brush is 10-15 cm long and can contain buds of different colors, each reaching 5 cm in diameter. The leaves are compound, consisting of several pairs of oblong or obovate green segments from 3 to 15 cm long.

Height. Up to 3.5 m in length or more, in culture it can be regulated by pruning. The plant develops quickly.

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, keep at normal room temperature, in winter not lower than 12° C.

Reproduction

The bush is quite easy to propagate by cuttings in spring and summer.

Lighting

It is necessary to provide the plant with a location where it will receive several hours of direct sun a day, morning and evening. In summer, during the daytime, light shade is needed. 

How to grow

Quisqualis tolerates pruning well, which should be done regularly to maintain a bushy, compact form. If you want to grow this species as a vine, just give it freedom. The long stems need support.

Soil

Loose, nutritious soil with a high organic content and acidic pH. To improve drainage, add coarse river sand or perlite to the mixture.

Fertilizer

Avoid using fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, the plant will abundantly grow green mass to the detriment of flowering. Feed the flower only during the period of active growth.

When blooms

From May to September.

Purpose

Quisqualis can be grown as a shrub or large flowering vine.

Air humidity

In the autumn-winter period, when the heating is turned on in houses and the air becomes especially dry, it is necessary to frequently spray the leaves of the plant. You can use a room humidifier to increase humidity. 

Water quisqualis

During the growing season, water regularly, allowing the top layer of soil about 3 cm thick to dry out before the next watering. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering. For watering, use soft or rain water. 

Transfer

Every year, in the spring.

Pests and diseases

Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to rot. Insufficient light will result in less abundant blooms or no blooms at all.

Of the harmful insects, quisqualis can be attacked by spider mites.