Juanulloa

Family. Solanaceae.

Origin. Peru.

Description. Juanulloa is a perennial, evergreen, epiphytic plant that can climb tree trunks with long creeping stems that have aerial roots. The leaves are green, simple, lanceolate, and arranged alternately. In summer, numerous large, drooping inflorescences of oblong orange flowers with finely pubescent petals form at the tops of the stems. When in contact with the ground, the shoots can take root.

Height. 120 cm, develops quickly in optimal conditions.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature. In winter the temperature is between 13 and 15 degrees Celsius with plenty of light. Requires a cool dormant period for abundant flowering.

Lighting

Shade during hot summer daylight hours; morning and evening exposure to direct sunlight is possible.

Care

In the fall, after flowering, remove dead stems. The bush will require annual formative pruning, which is carried out in the spring. In the summer, take the juanulloa outside, protecting it from strong winds and direct sunlight. Pinch the tops of the shoots to get a dense crown.

Substrate

Well-drained, loose, with plenty of sand or perlite to improve drainage. Soils that are fairly poor in nutrients are suitable. 

Feeding

Feed 2 times a month with liquid fertilizers high in potassium, calcium and phosphorus. During the dormant period, juanulloa is not fed. 

Purpose

Very attractive, abundantly flowering plants that do not require special care. Used both for vertical landscaping and as a ground cover species.

Flowering time

Blooms in summer. 

Air humidity

It tolerates the dryness of heated living spaces well and does not require spraying. Only with the onset of real summer heat can you spray the shoots and leaves with water at room temperature.

Soil moisture

Water sparingly in spring and summer, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, the soil should be dried almost completely, and the frequency of watering should be reduced.

Transplantation

Replanted every year in early spring. 

Reproduction

Propagated by half-ripe cuttings in spring and summer. The length of the cuttings should be from 10 to 20 centimeters, the leaves should be removed from the bottom of the cuttings, and the place where the cuttings were cut should be dried for 24 hours. Cuttings are rooted in damp sand using growth hormones; the rooting process occurs quite quickly. 

Pests and diseases

Excess moisture causes rot.

Harmful insects sometimes include whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.

Note

Juanulloa lives for a long time in indoor conditions. All parts of the plant are poisonous.