Aeschynanthus speciosus, the remarkable aeschynanthus
Aeschynanthus speciosus
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Gesneriaceae
- Genus
- Aeschynanthe Aeschynanthus
- Species
- Aeschynanthus speciosus
Other names:Trichosporum speciosum, Aeschynanthus aucklandiae, Aeschynanthus splendens
Would you like a flowering plant but don't have a green thumb? Try an Aeschynanthus speciosus. This variety of the Gesneriaceae family, native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia, blooms profusely and is very easy to care for.
How can you recognize the remarkable Aeschynanthus, Aeschynanthus speciosus?
Aeschynanthus speciosus is a bushy, semi-erect epiphytic perennial. It does not exceed 50 centimeters in any direction.
Its upright or pendulous stems easily reach 50 centimeters in length.
The evergreen leaves—lanceolate, elliptical, or ovoid—are fleshy. The upper surface is a glossy dark green, while the underside is lighter in color. They measure between five and fifteen centimeters long and two to five centimeters wide. Sometimes, the leaf blades are arranged in whorls. They emerge from the same node and are arranged in a circle around the stem.
In spring and summer, the plant produces curved , orange-redtubular flowers thatare a reminder of those of aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa Grouped in compact clusters at the tips of the stems, these bisexual flowers have five rounded lobes, a yellow throat, anda green calyx. They measure six to eleven centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide.
Aeschynanthus speciosus is not toxic to humans or pets. In fact, it is highly prized by pollinators such as hummingbirds.
Our care tips
The plant appreciates light, but fears direct sunlight. Place it behind an east- or west-facing window.
Watering
Aeschynanthus speciosus They need to keep the potting mix consistently moist, but not soggy. Water before the soil dries out on the surface. In winter, you can let the top one to two centimeters dry out between waterings.
Water the substrate until water flows out of the drainage holes. Use soft water at room temperature, such as collected rainwater.
If water collects in the saucer or planter, empty it. It can cause root rot.
Misting
Brumisez le feuillage avec une eau non calcaire améliore l'hygrométrie et lutte contre les attaques de nuisibles.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Aeschynanthus speciosus to give it more space.
Obtain a pierced pot three to five centimetres larger in diameter than the previous one. Line the bottom with clay balls or pebbles.
Aeschynanthus speciosus appreciate light, well-drained soil. You can use a mixture of heather earth and perlite or a potting soil for flowering plants to which you add sand.
Pour on a layer of substrate and plant your specimen. Fill the pot with your mixture and tamp gently. Water with non-calcareous water at room temperature to encourage rooting.
Place your pot on a dish of moist clay balls to improve humidity.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Aeschynanthus speciosus, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Apply a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants to promote the appearance of flower buds.
Cleaning
The dust that accumulates on the leaves prevents your Aeschynanthus speciosus from receiving light. Remember to clean the foliage with a damp, clean cloth or sponge.
Prune
Pruning encourages branching and helps maintain a dense growth habit.
After flowering, remove wilted flowers and cut back stem ends. Use pruning shears or scissors to cut back between three and five centimetres. Remember to clean your tool before use to avoid spreading disease!
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Obtain a small, pierced pot. Fill it with a mixture of potting soil for flowering plants (about two-thirds) and sand (one-third).
Make a pilot hole with a pick, a pencil or your finger. Plant your Aeschynanthus speciosus cutting.
Keep the soil moist by watering before the surface dries out.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting methods
- In potsIn tubsPlanter
- Categories
- IndoorFloweryHanging plants
- Tags
- BeginnerFlowery
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Flower colors
- RedYellowOrange
Discover plants from the same family
Aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa'
Aeschynanthus pulcher 'Mona Lisa'
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
