Alsobia

Family. Gesneriaceae.

Origin. Mexico, Costa Rica.

Description. Alsobia is a new genus in the plant world; it is a climbing indoor flower. In 1978, two Episcia species  were classified as the genus Alsobia. Most, but not all, botanists have recognized these two species as a new genus. Perennial herbaceous plants with creeping shoots, rounded, velvety leaves 5 cm long and very showy white or pink flowers with five petals. The petals are fringed, as if with sharp needles along the edges. individual flowers are short-lived - they remain on the plant for about 4 - 5 days, but faded buds are immediately replaced by fresh flowers.

Height. 15 - 20 cm, grows quickly.

Alsobia - care at home

Temperature conditions

There is no rest period; they are kept in cool conditions all year round - 16° C and above. Plants do not like sudden changes in temperature; when grown in cool conditions, growth slows down.

Reproduction

Propagated by suckers or cuttings at 20 - 25 ° C, by daughter rosettes that form directly on the long tendrils of alsobia. In young plants, flower buds are often removed so that energy is not spent on flowering, but is used to form a good root system. Fresh seeds can be sown on the surface of loose, moist soil - the germination rate of such seeds is good. 

Lighting

Partial shade or bright diffused light, does not bloom in the shade.

How to care

Alsobia cultivation requires high air humidity in a greenhouse or in a “tropical” window flower garden. Pinch back long stems to keep the plant's compact shape. This is a long-day plant and may need lighting in the fall and winter. 

Flowering time

From June to September. 

Pests and diseases

With a lack of light, plants stretch out and become loose. Moisture on the pubescent leaves can cause putrefaction. Sunburn can appear on leaves with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the daytime. The root system can rot if moisture stagnates in the pan. When conditions change, the plant is able to shed buds.

The flower is vulnerable to spider mites, scale insects, aphids, and nematodes.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile soils, loose soils, possibly based on sphagnum, fibrous heather soil or coconut fiber. It is useful to add a little crushed charcoal to the soil.

Feeding

During the growth period, feed every 14 days. 

Purpose

Alsobia can be grown as hanging flowers for the home in hanging baskets or as a ground cover perennial plant at the base of large flowers.

Air humidity

Spraying is not recommended, but to maintain the required high level of humidity, you can place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles. Does not tolerate drafts.

Soil moisture

Maintain moderate humidity by watering with softened water at room temperature; reduce watering in winter. 

Transfer

Every year, in the spring, in fresh soil and, if necessary, in a larger pot. Often several plants are planted in one pot - then they look fluffier. Alsobia prefer small and wide bowls with large drainage holes. When replanting, they try to minimally disturb the root system - they use transshipment. 

Note

Alsobia are more tolerant of inappropriate conditions than episcia and are therefore suitable for beginning gardeners. With age, flowering may become less abundant - replace such plants with young ones obtained using cuttings.

Varieties: 

Alsobia dianthiflora

Alsobia dianthiflora flower has white tubular flowers with strongly indented petal edges. Sometimes the white flowers of this species are covered with attractive pink “freckles.”