Geogenanthus

Family. Commelinaceae.

Origin. Brazil, Peru.

Description. The genus Geogenanthus includes four species of evergreen perennial plants from tropical regions of South America. This species is grown for its unusual foliage - each leaf blade is striped from base to tip and has a wrinkled surface with short pubescence. The underside of the leaf is purple, while the upper side is green with darker green stripes. The plant is unique in that its flower stalks appear at the lower leaf nodes and often look as if they are growing out of the ground. The stem of the plant is covered with brown hairs.

The rhizome is short, branched. Aboveground shoots are unbranched, numerous, up to 0.75 m long, succulent. The flowers are small, consisting of 3 green-brown sepals, 3 blue, pink or purple petals with small hairs, each opening for only one day. The flowers have no scent and are of little interest.

Height. About 25 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

The minimum acceptable temperature for this plant is around 18°C, avoid fluctuations. Do not place this plant close to the window glass, as the temperature in this place is not stable, and also keep it away from heating devices.

Lighting

A brightly lit place away from direct sunlight in summer. In winter, the plant needs to receive as much light as possible, possibly with artificial supplementary lighting. 

Care

Geogenanthus is not the easiest plant to grow - it needs warmth and moist air.

Substrate

Grows best in organic-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Use a potting mix of leaf mulch, coarse sand or perlite with a good layer of drainage at the bottom of the container. 

Feeding

The bush does not hibernate in winter, but its growth will be more pronounced from April to October. Fertilize the geogenanthus during this time with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Purpose

Decorative foliage plant. 

Geogenanthus flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Spraying is necessary. Do not spray water directly on the leaves, as moisture will accumulate in the embossed leaves and may cause fungal diseases. 

Soil moisture

Keep the compost moist at all times of the year. Reduce watering in winter. 

Transfer

In spring, when the plant fills the pot. 

Propagation

Using stem cuttings 5 ​​- 10 cm long, remove the bottom pair of leaves from them. Sprinkle the base of the cutting with rooting preparation and insert a mixture of barely damp peat and sand. Keep pots of cuttings under a plastic cover or plastic wrap in a warm, well-lit area. Rooting occurs slowly and takes 3 to 5 weeks.

Gradually increase the ventilation time over 2 - 3 weeks. Watering during this period should be very moderate; drought is much preferable to excess water. By dividing adult plants during transplantation.

Pests and diseases

The edges of leaves turn yellow or brown when the indoor air is too dry. Excess moisture in the soil leads to rotting of the rhizome and base of the stem.

Among the harmful insects, the flower can be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. 

Note

Geogenanthus is usually replaced every 1.5 years with a new plant.