Cochliostema

Family. Commelinaceae.

Origin. Tropics of Middle America.

Description. Cochliostema is a large herbaceous plant that grows in nature as an epiphyte. The leaves are long - up to 1 m, belt-shaped, collected in a basal rosette, green, young leaves and the underside of the leaf blades can be purple. Peduncles emerge from the base of the leaves. The inflorescences reach 60 cm in length and bear many pink or, more often, lilac, blue flowers. The flowers are about 2.5 cm in diameter and have a pleasant aroma.

Height. 90 - 120 cm.

Temperature conditions

The minimum acceptable temperature for this plant is about 16°C, avoid fluctuations. Do not place this flower close to the window glass, as the temperature in this place is unstable, and also keep it away from heating devices.

Lighting

They grow best in indirect sunlight, away from direct sunlight in summer. In winter, the bush should receive as much light as possible, possibly with artificial supplementary lighting.

Substrate

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

Feeding

Cochliostema does not have a clearly defined dormant period and is capable of growing all year, however, the most active growth will occur from April to October. During this period, the plant will need to be fertilized with liquid fertilizers every 2 weeks.

Flowering time

In early spring, but in indoor culture it can bloom at any time of the year, depending on the conditions.

Air humidity

In residential areas with central heating, it is especially important to monitor the humidity. You can increase it by placing the pot on a special tray with water, which has a grate on top, or by using a room humidifier. For spraying, which is best done in the morning, water at room temperature is suitable.

Soil moisture

Cochliostemas love evenly moist, but not swampy soil; their roots should never dry out. These plants cannot tolerate even short-term drought. The frequency of watering in the fall can be reduced only slightly, depending on the temperature. For watering, try to use softened distilled or bottled water. 

Transplant

As they grow in the spring, transplant young plants into larger pots.

Reproduction

Propagated by sowing seeds in spring into loose soil.

Pests and diseases

Do not spray water directly on the leaves, as moisture will accumulate in the rosette and may cause fungal diseases. Dry leaf tips indicate insufficient air humidity.

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics.