Solandra

Family. Solanaceae.

Origin. Colombia, Mexico.

Description. The genus Solandra has 8 species of plants, which are large evergreen vines with powerful shoots bearing aerial roots. With age, the stems at the base become woody. The leaves are dark green, lanceolate or elliptical, glossy, up to 15 cm long, arranged alternately. Flowering is mesmerizing - the bush forms simply huge flowers of cream, yellow or orange color. The buds are funnel-shaped, with 5 fused petals, up to 25 cm in diameter. Only opened flowers have a lighter shade. In the evening hours, the plant fills the house with a sweetish vanilla aroma. There are variegated varieties, as well as varieties with purple flowers.

Height. It grows quickly, and its stems reach a length of 12 m.

Home care 

Containment temperature

Can be kept throughout the year at normal room temperature of 16 - 24° C. In the winter months, the temperature should be lower, but the plant should not be exposed to temperatures below 10° C. 

Reproduction

Propagated by stem cuttings. Rooting should be done in a moist nutrient mixture, in a warm place, at a temperature of at least 23°C. Solandra seeds are sown in the spring, after soaking them in warm water for a day. Germination takes about 2 months.

Lighting

The flower can bathe in sunlight in the evening and morning hours. On hot days, the leaves will need shading from the scorching rays of the sun. In autumn and winter, it is advisable to provide the maximum possible lighting.

Flowering 

The most abundant flowering will be in June - July, but individual flowers can appear at any other time of the year. 

Growing

Overly long shoots can be cut at any time of the year. Solandra tolerates even radical pruning. When grown as a liana, the stems can be provided with support. In autumn, the plants can shed their leaves. The tips of young shoots are regularly pinched to obtain a lush, beautiful, compact bush.

Soil

Nutritious soil containing a large amount of organic matter. River sand is added to improve drainage.

Fertilizer

The bush will appreciate organic feeding during the growing season. Plants are fed 2 times a week in spring and summer. 

Spraying 

Solandra adapts well to dry indoor air, but the plants will look stronger if they are periodically sprayed with room temperature water. With the onset of summer heat, spraying becomes a necessity.

Watering 

Water regularly during the growing season and keep the soil evenly moist. In autumn and winter, reduce watering slightly, drying the soil by a few centimeters. Experienced flower growers advise drying the soil before flowering - then it will be more lush. 

Transplant

Repotting is necessary annually in spring. For large tub specimens, replace the top layer of soil with fresh substrate every year.

Pests and diseases

When grown at home, harmful insects such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can settle on the plant.  

Purpose

A spectacular genus, suitable for vertical gardening.

Note

All parts of solandra are poisonous - wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant.

Varieties:

Solandra grandiflora

Tall, evergreen, herbaceous plants, the stems of which can exceed 30 m in length. When in contact with the ground, the stems are able to produce roots at the leaf nodes. The leaves are glossy, green, entire, oblong-oval, up to 15 cm long. The plants have large, funnel-shaped, unusually attractive flowers with a diameter of 15 to 25 cm. The shades of the flowers are yellow, light orange, white, beige. The center of the flowers may be a contrasting shade of purple or burgundy with long, thin stripes. The flowers bloom in the evening or at night and emit a very pleasant, sweetish aroma. 

Solandra maxima

The most common species in floriculture, it is a herbaceous vine with long, flexible stems. The leaves are dark green, lanceolate, glossy, entire, on long, thin petioles. The leaf blades are slightly bent along the central vein. The flowers are large, funnel-shaped, orange, beige or yellow. In the center of the flowers there are long, thin, dark stripes. Flowering will be most abundant in the warmer months, but individual buds may appear at any time.