Columnea

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Gesneriaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Columnea

Species

glorious

Description

Columnea is a trailing plant, an epiphyte like orchids, native to the rainforests of Central and South America, where it grows as an evergreen, clinging to other plants, and survives thanks to the nutrients it absorbs directly from the bark of its host species and the ambient humidity.

With thick, velvety leaves, it is grown in baskets for its semi-trailing or long-trailing foliage – as seen in most cultivated varieties – which is covered with highly decorative bright orange flowers, or, more rarely, yellow ones.
As it has high temperature requirements, it can be kept indoors in a very bright spot or, during the warmer months, preferably outdoors in a shaded position but with plenty of diffused light or where the sun is filtered.

At the end of summer, it is necessary to bring it indoors when the minimum outdoor temperatures drop below 14°C, before it loses its leaves (below 10/11°C).

Curiosities and special features

The botanical genus Columnea was named after the Italian botanist F. Colonna, whilst the specific epithet is derived from *gloriosus* – meaning ‘glorious’ – in reference to the plant’s habit.

It is often referred to as the ‘goldfish plant’ due to the distinctive shape and colour of its flowers, which resemble those of a small fish.

Origin and distribution

A botanical species native to the tropical rainforest biome, found in an area stretching from Mexico (Chiapas) to northern Venezuela.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Leaf colour

Plain, green or bronze-red.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.7 m, depending also on the growth habit it develops.

Lifespan

Polyennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

For its semi-trailing or long-trailing foliage, it is mainly grown as a hanging basket plant.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous and semi-woody; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small to medium in size, with a tubular corolla. The petals are either single-coloured or two-coloured. It flowers from early autumn to spring, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops a drooping growth habit with high ornamental value.

Branching

Medium branching.

PH

It requires a substrate pH of between 5.5 and 6.5; care should also be taken with regard to the acidity of the watering, which must not cause the optimal values indicated to deviate.

Sun exposure

Suitable for the following growing conditions: partial shade, indoors during the colder months, indoor light source, bright shade.

Avoid direct sunlight.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 13 and 25 °C. The vital temperature is between 5 and 36 °C.

Use

Valued as a plant in:
Ornamental use

Hardiness

A plant with low to medium hardiness; it requires a warm, humid climate.

Soil

Use a high-quality, lightweight and well-draining growing medium. We recommend a specialised potting mix for foliage plants containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

On average, it is difficult to grow, but if provided with the right growing conditions, it will thrive and flower profusely, becoming a focal point of great decorative value.

Growing tips

Some specific growing guidelines:
The plants will not flower in low light It prefers a warm, humid climate

Propagation

It can be propagated by cuttings and, less commonly, by seed.

Watering

Keep the potting compost consistently moist but avoid over-watering and waterlogging. Do not use cold water; it is best to water the soil directly in the morning, avoiding the foliage to prevent discolouration on the upper surface of the leaves or water spots caused by hard water, which contains high levels of bicarbonates to which Columnea is sensitive.

During the colder months, reduce watering considerably, as the plant’s growth slows significantly below 15°C and root rot is the most common cause of death.

Fertilising

During the spring and summer months, apply a specific soluble fertiliser to the growing medium, diluting it in the watering solution without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

It can be propagated quite easily from cuttings, and less commonly from seed. During the warmer months, at least a month before autumn, take terminal shoots measuring 5–7 cm. To ensure successful rooting, choose a strong, healthy stem carefully. As temperatures begin to drop, bring the rooted cuttings indoors. During the cold season, water very sparingly, as the plant’s growth slows considerably below 15° and root rot is the most common cause of Columnea loss. It can remain in the same pot for 2–3 years, so there is no need for annual repotting.