Rhodochiton

Family. Scrophulariaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Rhodochiton is a large and very showy perennial, flowering vine with long, thin, branching stems. With age, the stems become woody at the base. The leaves are green, 5 - 8 cm long, spear-shaped or heart-shaped, on long petioles. The leaf blades have small teeth along the edges. The flowers are purple, bell-shaped, single, with 5 petals, hanging along the entire length of the stems, up to 4 cm in diameter. The flowers have a subtle, pleasant aroma. This vine easily climbs a vertical support, clinging to long petioles of leaves - like clematis. 

Height. At home it develops quickly and reaches a length of 2.5 - 3 m.

Cultivation

Temperature conditions

Prefers cool conditions at a temperature of about 18° C. In such conditions, the flowering period is extended. During the winter dormant period, the temperature should be lowered to 6 - 10° C. Do not expose plants to temperatures below 5° C. 

Lighting

Preferably bright lighting with reflected rays of the sun; it can sunbathe in the morning and evening, but it is better to shade it from the midday rays. Good lighting affects the abundance of flowering. 

How to grow

The tips of young shoots are pinched so that the liana actively branches and looks thicker. After flowering, the stems can be cut to the desired height. Remove wilting buds to extend the flowering time. Long stems provide support, which they quickly wrap around. Old and weak branches are removed. The plant easily tolerates pruning and will appreciate being outdoors in the warm season.

Substrate

The soil should contain a large amount of organic matter in the form of peat, leaf humus and turf soil; coarse sand is added to improve drainage. The plant prefers soils with an acidic or neutral pH.

Feeding

Feed with liquid fertilizers 2 times a month during the growth and flowering period. The liana grows quickly and needs regular feeding; it responds positively to organic feeding. 

Purpose

Rhodochiton looks perfect when grown in hanging baskets. Suitable for landscaping balconies, loggias and terraces. Flowering shoots resemble a Christmas tree garland.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

The leaves should be sprayed periodically to prevent pests such as red spider mites. Plants grown in high humidity look stronger. Rhodochiton prefers well-ventilated areas.

Soil moisture

The plant needs evenly moist soil; between waterings, only slightly dry the top layer of soil. Flowering stops when the soil gets too dry. In the fall, reduce the frequency of watering, and in the winter months, just try not to dry out the soil. 

Transfer

If the rhodochiton is grown as a perennial, the bush is replanted annually in spring into fresh soil. The flower is often kept as an annual plant, in which case it does not need replanting.

Reproduction

Sowing of seeds is carried out in the spring. Seedlings are kept cool - from 15 to 22 ° C and in the dark for germination, which occurs within a week. Rhodochiton successfully propagates vegetatively, using stem cuttings.

Pests and diseases

Root rot due to insufficient drainage. 

Harmful insects may include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.

Note

Vines may lose their attractiveness with age - replace them with young specimens.