Goethea

Family. Malvaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. Goethea is a rare and unique tropical plant. It is a large evergreen shrub with large dark green leaves with lighter veins, which are located on an erect, weakly branched stem. The leaf blades are ovoid, slightly wrinkled, up to 15 cm long. A distinctive feature is that the bright red flowers are located directly on the trunk, singly or in small groups.

Height. 1.2 - 1.8 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving species that can be kept at room temperature all year round.

Lighting

Loves good lighting without direct sunlight, tolerates partial shade.

Care

Remove dead flowers promptly. Shoots that are too tall can be trimmed.

Substrate

Nutritious, well-moistened soil with good drainage and acidic pH.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, 2 times a month with liquid fertilizers.

Flowering time

From June to October. Only mature specimens bloom.

Air humidity

High. Spray the foliage or place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles.  

Soil moisture

Requires constantly moist soil; do not allow the soil to dry out between waterings. To moisturize, use soft water at room temperature.

Transplant

Adult specimens are replanted every 2 years in early spring.

Reproduction

Reproduction is difficult, but possible. Stem cuttings are rooted in spring. For rooting, seedlings are kept at a temperature of about 30 ° C and covered with a polyethylene cap or glass to maintain the desired humidity level. Seeds.

Pests and diseases

Rotting of the root system when kept too cold and wet. With a lack of light, flowering will be less abundant, the leaves will be smaller, and the stems will be longer. Too dry air will cause the leaves to turn yellow.

Among the harmful insects, the flower can be attacked by spider mites, thrips, aphids and whiteflies.

Note

With age, the goethea stretches out, and the lower part of the trunk becomes bare, so it should be periodically replaced with a new plant.