Flowering stem of Aeschynanthus speciosus

Credit: Igor Balashov

Aeschynanthus speciosus flower

Credit: Patrick Alexander

Aeschnynnanthus speciosus in pot

Credit: Forest & Kim Starr

Remarkable Aeschynanthus in a pot

Credit: Smithsonian National museum of Natural History

Aeschynanthus speciosus, the remarkable aeschynanthus

Would you like a flowering plant, but don't have a green thumb? Go for Aeschynanthus speciosus. This variety of the Gesneriaceae family, endemic to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia, blooms abundantly and is very easy to care for.

How to recognize the remarkable aeschynanthus, Aeschynanthus speciosus?

Aeschynanthus speciosus is an epiphytic perennial with a bushy, semi-erect habit. It grows to no more than 50 centimetres in all directions.

Its upright or hanging stems easily reach 50 centimetres in length.

The evergreen, lanceolate, elliptical or ovoid leaves are fleshy. The upper surface is a shiny dark green, while the underside is lighter. They measure between five and fifteen centimetres long and two to five centimetres wide. Blades are sometimes whorled. They arise from the same node and are arranged in a circle around the stem.

In spring and summer, the plant produces curved, tubular orange-redflowers reminiscent of those of aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa Lisa aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa. Grouped in compact clusters at the ends of the stems, these bisexual flowers have five rounded lobes, a yellow throat anda green calyx. They are 6 to 11 centimetres long and 2.5 centimetres wide.

Aeschynanthus speciosus is non-toxic to humans and pets. They are even highly appreciated by pollinators such as hummingbirds.

Our maintenance tips

The plant appreciates light, but fears direct sunlight. Place it behind an east- or west-facing window.

Watering

Aeschynanthus speciosus need to keep the soil always moist, but not soggy. Water before the soil dries on the surface. In winter, you can leave one or two centimetres to dry out between waterings.

Water the substrate until the water runs off through the drainage holes. Use non-calcareous water at room temperature, such as reclaimed rainwater.

If water stagnates in the saucer or planter, drain it. It causes root rot.

Spray

Brumisez le feuillage avec une eau non calcaire améliore l'hygrométrie et lutte contre les attaques de nuisibles.

Repotting

Every 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!

Cutting

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

Aphids

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Gesneriaceae - Gesneriaceae
Type	Aeschynanthe - Aeschynanthus
Species	Aeschynanthus speciosus - Aeschynanthus speciosus
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	In pots In tubs Planter
Categories	Interior Flowery Hanging plants
Tags	Beginner Flowery
Origin	Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors