Named by Linnaeus in honor of Italian botanist Fabius Columna (1567-1640), this mainly epiphytic genus from the African violet family (Gesneriaceae) consists of around 160 shrubby species native to the New World tropics. They have slightly arching pendulous stems that form a crown of foliage. The leaves are small, oval to lance-shaped, in opposite pairs, and usually downy, as are the stems and outer whorls of the tubular flowers. Orange and red are the common flower colors, but while, yellow, pink, and maroon also occur.
CULTIVATION
Intolerant of frost, Columnea plants do best as house or greenhouse plants outside of the subtropics. They are nearly always grown in hanging baskets so that their trailing flower stemps may be best appreciated. They prefer steady temperatures, not necessarily hot, but not widely varying; they need dappled light and shelter from cold drafts. Allow to dry in winter. Propagate from half-hardened tip cuttings.
Top Tip
Most Columnea species prefer high humidity. For best results grow them in an open compost mix containing sphagnum moss, peat, or charcoal, and mist regularly.
CULTIVATION
Intolerant of frost, Columnea plants do best as house or greenhouse plants outside of the subtropics. They are nearly always grown in hanging baskets so that their trailing flower stemps may be best appreciated. They prefer steady temperatures, not necessarily hot, but not widely varying; they need dappled light and shelter from cold drafts. Allow to dry in winter. Propagate from half-hardened tip cuttings.
Top Tip
Most Columnea species prefer high humidity. For best results grow them in an open compost mix containing sphagnum moss, peat, or charcoal, and mist regularly.
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