I just received my LoneStar newsletter and thought some of you would enjoy this article by Dale Marten on the culture of columneas. We were just talking last night on Dave's about why they won't bloom sometimes.
January / February 2008 LSAVC Newsletter Volume XXVIII, No. 1
- 7 -
Culture of Columneas
By Nancy Robitaille
Columneas are bushy foliage
plants seen most often hanging
in pots. Although they have
been around since 1753, it was
not until 1953 that these showy
plants were introduced to the
American public. These plants
have increased in popularity and are an important
commercial plant.
Columneas were found in the American tropics, in
Central and northern South America and in the West
Indian islands. Like the Aeschananthus, these plants
are epiphytic, growing but not taking their substance
from trees.
There are more than 125 species and botanists are
reporting new ones frequently.
Flowers of the columnea are two lipped tubular in
form with four oblong anthers united in a square or
rectangle. Style and anthers are longer than the tube.
Fruit or seedpod is smooth, flattened round berry,
ivory white and filled with small smooth seeds.
Popular names for the columnea are “Gold fish plant”
due to the characteristic form of the flower which
resembles a gold fish. Flower colors are
predominantly red and yellow with occasional shades
of pink. The brilliant hairy textures are impressive.
Three inch flowers can be quite spectacular. Shapes
of flowers are varied. These plants can be quite
exciting when they get to maturity cascading with six
foot strands of leaves aflame with hundreds of
flowers each of which can last up to a month. With
the newer hybrids, bloom can be continuous summer
and winter.
Temperature:
Plants should never go below 65 degrees F; however,
there are a few species and hybrids that will not
bloom unless they are subjected to a cooler period.
Plants should be kept in temperatures of less than 85
degrees F.
Soil:
These plants do well in long-fiber sphagnum moss
but may also be grown in a lean mix, very porous.
Watering:
Columneas do not need a lot of water. Over watering
can cause many problems.
Light:
Light requirements for Columneas are low, about the
same as for African violets. Virginie and George
Elbert in their book, “The Miracle Houseplants,”
mention that Columneas have sufficient light with
only 150 to 250 foot candles. They may hang in a
window and receive light from this source or be
placed under lights.
Columnea ‘Midget”
Fertilizer:
Use a high phosphate formula fertilizer, the second
number during active growth and bloom. No
fertilizer should be used when the plant seems to
stand still with no additional growth or bloom
Propagation:
New plants may be started from cuttings at any time.
***edited to say I don't know why I put Dale's name on this article when Nancy's name is there........sorry guys..........Nancy did write and research this article
This message was edited Feb 2, 2008 11:04 AM
Culture of Columneas
Thanks!
I now have a variegated one under my gro lights trying to get it to bloom (LOL)
I'm printing this right now! Thanks Gail!