P:I really like potted flowers: ceropegia and columni, but for the second time I have failed to grow them. What should I do to make them thrive?
O:Ceropegia is not as delicate as it looks. It belongs to the milkweed family.It tolerates dry air in homes well, is long-lived and generally he althy.Stores water in thickened leaves, tubers and fleshy shoots. He likes bright positions, but not too sunny. It also tolerates light partial shade.
From spring to autumn, ceropegia grows best at 20-25 ° C.In winter, the room temperature should be 15-18 ° C.Ceropegia is watered carefully, because when flooded it rots easily - this is important especially in winter.
The substrate should be fertile and well-drained, neutral or slightly acidic. Ceropegia is planted in shallow containers with a thick layer of drainage.It is rarely transplanted, fertilizing from the second year after planting with compound fertilizers or those intended for succulents.
Kolumnea belongs to the exotic family of ostrichidae. It is a natural habitat is a tropical jungle. The plant is quite difficult to grow and belongs to rather short-lived plants. It grows best in hanging pots.It must have plenty of light, but in summer it must be protected from direct sunlight.It also grows quite well in semi-shaded places.In winter, it should be kept at a temperature of around 16 ° C, with the exception of the Stavanger thermophilic column.
Guests from Antipodes
Kolumnea doesn't like sudden jumps in temperature. It also needs to be protected from drafts.The plant likes humidity in the air, so it should not be placed near radiators.However, it should not be sprinkled, it is better to use an air humidifier. From April to September, the column must be fed with fertilizer with a limited calcium content every 2-3 weeks. You shouldn't overdo it often.
The substrate should be light and humus, acidic.After 2-3 years the plants lose their beauty - they lose their leaves and the flowers are tied only at the tops.After flowering, it is worth shortening their shoots by half, and the tips of the cut off shoots can be cuttings.
