Achimenes

Class

Eudicots

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Gesneriaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Achimenes

Species

hybrida

Description

A rhizomatous perennial plant, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. It therefore thrives in warm weather, flowering from June to September. In summer, it can be placed outdoors on the balcony but should be sheltered from direct sunlight, particularly during the middle of the day, or kept in the shade when outdoor temperatures remain above 15–16°C. It is also suitable for indoors, in a very bright room.

Origin and distribution

The botanical genus Achimenes comprises around 25 species of tropical and subtropical plants native to Mexico and South America. The varieties currently available on the market are hybrids that differ mainly in the colour of their flowers.

Leaf

The leaves have a lanceolate blade that is slightly velvety and has a serrated margin.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The plant height ranges from 0.18 to 0.35 m.

Lifespan

A perennial plant; when the cold weather sets in, it tends to shed its leaves and then sprout again.

Where to plant

Suitable as a small plant for balconies, pots or indoor planters; keep the room well-ventilated to encourage a longer flowering period.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, of medium size, with a dialipetal corolla. The petals are a single colour with an eye. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 110 days.

Growth

Compact Growth Plant.

Plant habit

It develops a semi-erect Plant habit.

Branching

Medium branching.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic substrate or soil pH, with optimal values ranging from 5.8 to 6.5.

Sun exposure

Suitable for partial shade or dappled shade for sun exposure.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 22 and 26 °C.

Use

Given the prevailing climatic conditions, this plant is recommended for use in:
Outdoor ornamental use Indoor ornamental use

Hardiness

It has low hardiness, does not tolerate the cold well and requires a warm, humid climate with sun exposure that is sheltered from direct sunlight.

Soil

If repotting into a larger pot, use only potting compost for foliage plants, with a high proportion of peat and some perlite.

Difficulty

It is moderately difficult to grow, but if you provide the right growing conditions, it will produce a plant of great ornamental value, even in your indoor spaces.

Growing tips

Some specific growing tips:
Plants will not flower in low light Place the plant in the brightest spot possible Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day Keep the growing medium moist at all times It prefers a warm, humid climate

Propagation

Vegetative propagation takes place via cuttings, but rhizome division is the main method used.

Watering

Irrigation must be regular and consistent, as this plant is susceptible to water stress, which can cause the leaf margins to scorch. At the same time, the medium must be well-draining to prevent harmful waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Do not use cold water, as the leaves of Achimenes are sensitive to low temperatures in the water used for Irrigation.

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Fertilising

From late spring until the end of summer, apply a liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for ornamental plants to the moist medium approximately once every seven to ten days, diluting it in the Irrigation can.

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