Chrysothemis

Family. Gesneriaceae.

Origin. America.

Description. Chrysothemis is a perennial evergreen plant, a low semi-shrub with vertical, brittle shoots. The leaves are dark green, brown or purple, with numerous branched veins. The underside of the leaves often has a contrasting pink hue. The edges of the leaf blades have small teeth, and their surface is covered with sparse pubescence. The inflorescence appears in the upper part of the plant. The flowers are orange, very bright, stand out well against the background of dark foliage, quickly fade and fall off, leaving behind scarlet cups that decorate the plant for several more months.

Height. 30 - 50 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, it is preferable for chrysothemis to be kept at a temperature of 21 - 24 ° C. In the winter months, a dormant period begins, however, even at this time the temperature should not fall below 13 ° C. Protect plants from sudden changes in temperature.

Lighting

A well-lit place with plenty of reflected sunlight. Direct rays should not fall on the leaves, especially in spring and summer, during the daytime. Chrysothemis can be successfully grown under artificial lighting with fluorescent lamps.

Care

Pinch off fading flowers to prolong the flowering period. Trim old and dry leaves at the base of the rosette.

Substrate

Loose, well-drained soil with sufficient organic matter in the form of peat and leaf humus. 

Feeding

Feed with fertilizer for flowering plants at half the dosage every 2 weeks while the chrysothemis are developing and blooming. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped.

Purpose

A very effective decorative flowering and decorative foliage species.

Flowering time

From May to August, flowering is very long. 

Air humidity

Chrysothemis can be kept in a normal living space, but if the central heating is on, it is advisable to increase the humidity. Use a room humidifier or a tray filled with wet pebbles. Spraying can leave unsightly white spots on the leaves, and can also cause leaf rot. Plants do not tolerate drafts, especially cold ones. 

Soil moisture

Water only with water at room temperature, being careful not to get it on the flowers and leaves. It is advisable to use bottom watering, immersing the pot with the plant in a large container of water for several minutes. Drain excess moisture from the pan a few minutes after watering. The frequency of watering will directly depend on the ambient temperature. Dry the top layer of soil a little between spills. Use soft water at room temperature. 

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out when it is necessary to change the soil, at any time of the year, into small pots, but try not to transplant abundantly flowering plants. When planting, place the bush at the same depth at which it was before transplantation.

Reproduction

It is very easily propagated using leaf cuttings rooted under a glass shelter in moist peat. The rooting process takes 1.5 - 2.5 months. With this method of propagation, plants bloom within 6 months. Seeds that are sown in spring in nutritious and loose soil. Seedlings are kept warm - at a temperature of 24 - 30 ° C. 

Pests and diseases

Leaves will burn if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, and if grown in partial shade, the plants will stretch out and look unhealthy and loose. Plants will rot if there is insufficient drainage, cool conditions, and overwatering. Leaves will dry out and turn brown if there is insufficient humidity. Powdery mildew. New growth will become paler and smaller if there is a lack of nutrients in the soil. Watering with cold water will cause spots on the foliage.

Pests sometimes include aphids, thrips, spider mites, and mealybugs.

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponic solution.