Aeschinanthus is a beautiful tropical plant native to Asia, which under natural conditions is attached by its roots to the trunks and branches of massive trees for support. Its Latin name - Aeschynanthus - comes from the ancient Greek words "distorted" and "flower", probably due to the orange-red, yellowish, burgundy-wine buds curved to the side. And it is precisely because of their color that the affectionate names of eskhinantus have taken root among the people - “fondant” or the flower of “bird of paradise”.
Depending on the species, an exotic plant takes on a liana-like or shrubby form, its branches can reach 30-90 centimeters. They are decorated with racemose inflorescences and dense rich green leaves, which are very appreciated by florists in the preparation of modern stylish bouquets. However, among lovers of homemade flowers, "fondant" can still not be seen often.
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Eschinantus: home care, reproduction
It will be difficult for a beginner grower to cope with a demanding eskhinantus without first becoming familiar with the rules of care. But this plant will look great at home, adding coziness. It will also perfectly enliven the office space or become a decoration on the veranda. The bush will turn out magnificent if several young cuttings are planted in one large pot, which is also true for suspended structures.
Additional Information: subject to all conditions, it is possible to achieve almost year-round lush flowering.
But first, consider what eskhinantusy are.
Varieties of eschinanthus
Aeschinanthus the Beautiful
This variety is characterized by bright green foliage and scarlet flowers that resemble elongated tubules. Buds are formed of 9-12 pieces in a "bunch". Stems half a meter long descend to the ground. The growing recommendations discussed above apply here.
Eschinatus beautiful
On a note: sometimes this plant is confused with eschinanthus the Fine, but the latter has smaller leaves, and the flowers are red on the outside and pinkish on the inside.
Aeschinantus Mona Lisa
One of the most non-whimsical, even a beginner and not yet very attentive gardener can cope with it. The species is characterized by dark emerald leaves with an almost glossy sheen. In shape, they are closer to the oval and decorated with a clearly marked vein in the center.
Note! During flowering, with proper care, the eschinanthus Mona Lisa attracts attention with the wine-red color of the petals.
Eskhinantus Rasta
This variety attracts attention with dark leaves curved in the direction of long stems resembling creepers. When growing demanding, but no more than other types of eskhinantusa.
Aeschinantus Marble
It is especially appreciated for a lighter pattern on dark lush foliage, reminiscent of exquisite marble stains. This eschinanthus looks very unusual and attracts the eye, especially in a hanging planter. However, it also requires a lot of attention from plant lovers.
Aeschinantus Twister
The twister pleases the eye with a strongly curved, almost curly green of a dark shade with a wax shine. The flowers are saturated orange with a smooth transition to red, appear only if all the rules of cultivation are observed. Looks better in hanging pots.
Whatever flower you choose, the rules of care are almost the same for everyone.
Eschinatus twister
The main rules for caring for eschinanthus at home
Lighting
You should choose a well-lit, but inaccessible to direct sunlight place. For example, a balcony, a windowsill, a glazed corridor facing west or east. With a lack of light, eshinanthus is unlikely to have buds, so in winter you can also use a special phytolamp.
Note!If it turns out to put the flower only on the sunny side, it is important not to forget to shade it with translucent curtains or blinds in the spring and summer. Otherwise, burns will appear on the foliage, and it may crumble, exposing the branches and shoots.
Temperature
The room where the "fudge" grows should be aired, but do not allow strong drafts and sudden changes in temperature. Even in the cold season, it should warm up quite well. If it gets colder +15 ° C, the flowers will not appear, and the foliage will even begin to thin out at the bush.
Important! Too much heat is also not welcome. The optimum temperature regime varies in the region of + 20-25 degrees Celsius.
Watering and humidity
Caring for a flower with eschinanthus, like many plants in a warm climate with high humidity, implies proper watering. It should not be done too often - only when the top layer of soil in the pot dries a few sentiments in depth, and supplemented with 1-2 spraying from a spray bottle per day. 15-20 minutes after watering, it is important to pour excess water from the pan. With excess moisture, the bush will begin to hurt, pests may appear. Make sure not to miss this moment and take action in time.
Note! Non-rigid, settled water at room temperature (or slightly higher) is best suited for irrigation. To make it softer, you can add a couple drops of lemon juice.
In winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced, and spraying should be stopped altogether. Only drying out of the soil can not be allowed anyway.
Soil and fertilizing
The optimal composition of the soil should be maintained in the proportions of 2: 2: 1: 1, in two parts of peat and leaf humus, in one - sphagnum and river sand. You can also purchase high-quality soil for indoor plants in a floristic or horticultural store. It is recommended that you add moss or charcoal to it yourself to reduce or even completely eliminate rotting of the roots. And also for loosening and better drainage, you can take small perlite or expanded clay.
Eschinantus fertilizer is recommended only in spring and summer. Comprehensive top dressing, with potassium, is suitable for flowering and indoor plants, which should be combined with watering once a week, but no more than twice a month.
Transfer
The most suitable time for transplantation will be the spring months, and the method is transshipment of a flower without destroying the main earthen lump near the roots. Around him, you just need to add more nutrient soil. It’s advisable to select the size of the pot only 1-2 centimeters larger in diameter than the previous one, since the “fondant” grows better and blooms in a tight container.
Aeschinatus Mona Lisa
While the evergreen bush is still young, it can be transplanted to a new place every year. But as it grows, when the roots reach the bottom of the tank and appear from the drainage holes, the procedure should be repeated only if absolutely necessary. For example, in case of illness, suspected rot in the root system.
Pruning
To make the bush look more well-groomed and decorative, it fits better into the interior, periodically after flowering, several trimmings are performed. Long branches in the upper, already much thinned part of the plant, cut by a third, and also remove all dried leaves.
Additional Information: after five years, even with constant correction of the shape of the bush, its appearance due to the large exposure of the branches will cease to please the eye. Then it is replaced by a young plant. Therefore, for amateur gardeners, it is better to figure out in advance how to propagate eskhinantus.
Aeschinanthus: propagation by cuttings in water
Propagation of eshinanthus by cuttings in water is the most popular way to obtain a young and beautiful plant. In this case, stem cuttings are used. To get them, a section with a length of about 6-10 centimeters is cut from the top of a healthy and strong branch. It is important that it has five or six knots.
Note! The best time for cutting is March-May (before the first buds appear) or in October-November.
After removing the lower leaves, the stem is placed in a container filled with water and covered with a transparent plastic bag until the first roots appear - for two to three weeks. You can speed up this process if you maintain a temperature of about + 25-28 degrees.
Another way to grow young eskhinantus is propagation by leafy cuttings, sometimes by seeds.
Thus, with a thorough acquaintance with the features of cultivation of eschinanthus, you can decide in advance for yourself whether its flowers are worth the effort. Everyone who loves original and effective home plants, while not afraid of difficulties, is definitely recommended to try.
Why does not eshinanthus bloom at home
The question “why there are no flowers?”, Sadly, worries most of the owners of this tropical wonder. Especially when the eschinanthus was only brought from the store, and it pleases the eye with luxurious inflorescences, and after a few months it thins.
Eskhinatus on the window
It is impossible to force a plant to bloom, but you should try to remove the negative factors that prevent this. First you need to make sure there is no overheating, and more often open windows or try to take the pot out onto the balcony for a couple of days. Especially in our climate, this is true in the spring, when the likelihood of the appearance of flowers is higher. In addition, one of the most popular reasons why eskhinantus does not bloom is the lack of lighting. Also, when watering and fertilizing, you should not allow the buds to get wet (and only formed, and almost opened), otherwise they may become covered with dark spots and completely crumble.
Due to too frequent watering and cold air, gray or root rot, thrips can appear, and also can not be overlooked and pests (spider mites, aphids, scale insects, mealybugs). Together, they prevent the fondant from gaining strength and please his mistress or master with bright buds.
