| Description: |
Climbing or trailing plants with glossy leaves. Orange flowers are produced in most leaf axils. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full 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 and 1 part fine shredded fir bark
Always use a pot with a hole.
|
| Watering: |
Keep the soil evenly moist and if you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks with a water soluble fertilizer diluted by half until the bloom is finished, then rest for one month before resuming. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to stem rot. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Stem cuttings
in the spring.
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent the 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.
|
| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist frequently and pinch back after blooming in the summer. Remember to reduce watering and keep in the sun during the winter. Winter is also the best time to prune. Re-pot every two years.
An ideal plant for a hanging basket.
|