As an indoor ornamental plant, eskhinantus is extremely interesting. A photo does not convey all the shades of its beauty, even if it is of high quality. Aeschinanthus (sometimes called "eshinanthus") is an evergreen perennial.
It is quite difficult to arrange tropical conditions in the room, as in his homeland in India or in southeast Asia. Epiphyte by nature, that is, of those that settle on the trunks or branches of other plants, it looks very impressive in a pot or on a high shelf: it has amazing pointed sharp-green leaves, leathery and plentiful, and red or orange flowers of exceptionally beautiful shape . Unfortunately, eshinanthus is rarely found in room culture. Home care is complicated, the plant is moody. But if you get from him even just a decorative look, albeit without flowering, he is still magnificent.
Eschinantus: home care
Temperature
Aeschinanthus loves heat, but not heat.
The optimum temperature is from twenty to twenty-five degrees. In winter, he lives well in the same conditions. But there is a little secret. If you lower the temperature of its content to fifteen degrees in the first half of winter, the buds will tie earlier and in larger quantities. Perhaps in March, the eschinanthus will bloom. Care is very important. This plant does not tolerate the slightest drafts, temperature extremes, and especially damp and cold air. She doesn’t live in open window panes; even putting it close to a cold window glass is not recommended.
Illumination and watering
You need a lot of light, but without direct sunlight. In bright sunshine, especially in summer, the plant needs to be shaded. Water as the earth dries, that is, in moderation. Do not overdry, but also do not make him a drowned man. If the earth does not have time to dry from watering to watering, then the eschinanthus loses its leaves, they turn yellow and fall off. But he loves spraying! Warm water, better filtered or settled, and every day. It is possible and twice.
How to transplant and rejuvenate
Eschinantus should be transplanted once a year. It is better to do this before or after flowering, that is, either in a very early spring or late autumn, certainly with a lump of land and in a slightly larger pot. The soil can be any, but a thick layer of drainage must be provided without fail. After flowering, you can prune, young shoots are best pinched. Like most plants, eschinanthus becomes more magnificent and even more beautiful.
Home care also includes rejuvenation of the flower. Around the fifth year, eskhinantus begins to lose attractiveness - the shoots are exposed. Therefore, in advance you need to take care of a worthy change of generations and try to grow from the cuttings of the same plant a new pet, just as beautiful.
The tops (cuttings) of eshinanthus propagate quite simply. The cut is cut with five to six knees (this is about ten centimeters). The lower leaves need to be torn off. Stick the shank itself in moist soil and cover it with a jar or bag. Rooting occurs after two to three weeks. After this, a new eskhinantus will grow.
Home care is not limited to watering and replanting. Need feeding from April to September. In winter, the plant rests. Common fertilizer - comprehensive universal. You can use top dressing for flowering plants.
Diseases and Pests
Here to diseases and pests eshinantus is resistant. Not at all as capricious as with temperature and humidity. Sometimes damaged by aphids and thrips. Dampness and drafts bring gray rot and mushroom sores to the plant.