Manettia

Family. Rubiaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. The genus "Manettia" consists of approximately 80 species of climbing evergreens. The leaves are dark green, simple, glossy, lanceolate, up to 5 cm long, arranged oppositely, on short petioles or sessile. The flowers are tubular, with fused petals, covered with pubescence, small - about 2.5 cm long, but very bright - scarlet with a yellow tip, axillary, solitary.

Height. It grows only 5-9 cm annually, and shoots of adult specimens reach 3 m in length. In indoor conditions, they are sometimes trimmed.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, the optimum temperature is 18 - 24 °C, in the winter months the vine needs a cool dormant period at a temperature of about 13 - 16 °C. Do not expose the flower to lower temperatures.

Lighting

A well-lit place without direct sunlight.

Care

The shrub  will appreciate being outdoors in the warm season, when night temperatures do not fall below 13° C. Place the plant under cover from rain and direct sunlight. To maintain a compact shape, long stems can be cut back halfway in the spring as new growth begins. If you want to have a vine, just provide support for the long stems. 

Substrate

Adapts well to most soil types with good drainage and high nutrient content.

Feeding

During the growth period, feed every 2 weeks with liquid fertilizers with a high potassium content.

Purpose

Specimens with long shoots look ideal in a hanging basket.

Flowering time

The most abundant buds are formed in the warm season - from May to the end of September, continuously. Individual flowers can appear periodically and at any other time.

Air humidity

Manettia can tolerate dry indoor air, but will look healthier and fresher with higher humidity. Place an indoor humidifier near the plant or place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles. You can surround the bush with a layer of damp sphagnum moss.

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water generously until the earthen clod is completely soaked. Drain excess water from the pan. Between waterings, the soil should dry to a depth of about 5 cm. In the winter months, the frequency of watering is reduced.

Transfer

Repot young plants in the spring, as needed, when roots emerge from the soil surface or emerge from the pot's drainage holes. Manettia blooms more profusely when placed in slightly cramped conditions. 

Reproduction

In spring or summer, apical cuttings 5-8 cm long are cut, the bases of the cuttings are treated with growth hormones. Rooting occurs within 3-4 weeks under the cover of a glass or plastic cap.

Pests and diseases

Stagnation of moisture in the pan and soil, too frequent watering provoke the occurrence of rot. Manettia sheds its leaves and stops flowering when there is a sharp change in temperature. Growth slows down or even stops if there is a lack of nutrients in the soil. The plant can get burned from exposure to sunlight.

Common harmful insects include whiteflies, aphids, thrips and spider mites.  

Note

Manettia lives indoors for many years with proper care.