| Description: |
Slender, vigorous climbers that can be kept much smaller than its potential 20 feet (6m) in height on a strong trellis. Flowers hang singly at the junction of leaf and stem, and have a short greenish tube which flares out into a broad heart-shaped speckled bowl with a dark maroon center. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in low to bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/East/West |
| Soil Type: |
A GOOD general purpose potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well) will suffice. Check purchased soil to see that it is well aerated and add sand or perlite and peat moss if it seems to pack too tightly. Give the plants a chance to settle in before going back to whatever fertilization program has been successful for you. If you want to mix your own take:
1 part garden soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 1 part moist peat or humus (leaf mold) and a light dusting of lime.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Drench the soil and let it become moderately dry between waterings. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks during the growing season with a water soluble fertilizer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings and seeds
in the spring.
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings or seeds in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent moisture from escaping. Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Needs something to climb or support if it is planted in a pot. Pinch back to control its growth and give it some sort of support if it is planted in a pot. Can be grown on a cool sun porch.
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