Adenandra

Family. Rutaceae.

Origin. Southwestern Cape Province.

Description. Adenandra is an evergreen shrub that attracts butterflies with the subtle scent of its flowers. The leaves are matte green, smooth on top with distinct whitish-green veins in the middle. The leaf blades are oval, 5 x 3 mm in size, erect, oblong, imbricated with thickened edges. The flowers are pink-red, the back of the petals is pink, the inner side of the petals is white, which makes them even more attractive. The flower has five petals, with a purple center. The flowers are single or collected in inflorescences of up to 4 flowers at the ends of the branches. The peak of flowering occurs from autumn to spring. Young shoots develop at the ends of the branches and are ideal for cuttings. After flowering, fruits with one seed inside develop.

Height. A small shrub about 30 cm in height.

Adenandra at home

Temperature conditions

In summer from 20 to 25 ° C, in winter it is cooler.

Lighting

Loves well-lit rooms and tolerates some direct sunlight.

Care

Pinch the ends of the shoots for bushiness.

Substrate

Well-drained soil (2 parts leaf soil, 1 part coarse sand).

Feeding

Regular during the period of active growth and flowering.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying

Soil moisture

During the growing season, watering is plentiful, in winter it is reduced. 

Purpose

The bushes are best grown in open ground. Flowering shoots can be used in bouquets or as cut flowers.

Flowering time

Blooms throughout the summer and until mid-autumn.

Transplant

As needed. 

Reproduction

Can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Fresh seeds are sown in the fall in a tray containing well-drained soil of equal parts sand, loam and compost. Keep the container in a well-lit and ventilated area. Germination occurs after 1 - 2 months. Young seedlings peak at 4 true leaves. Pinch the growing tips of the seedlings to encourage branching. It blooms two years after planting.

Pests and diseases

Yellow leaves can be treated with iron chelate.