As a potted plant, maintain indoor
temperatures above 60°.
Humidity:
Preferably 50% or higher; however, they will
tolerate low levels for short periods with no harm.
Watering:
Bring soil to a state of dryness between watering. Do not keep them
evenly moist. When watering thoroughly saturate soil until a little
water runs to the bottom of the pot and into the saucer.
Fertilizer:
Moderate feeders ,twice a month with a
balanced fertilizer like Dyna Gro Grow or Electra.
Pruning:
Prune anytime growth is
excessive. When young pinch growing tips to encourage and well
branched specimen. Pruning long dangling leads will create a
thicker plant.
Insects and
Disease:
They are susceptible to root diseases if grown to
wet and under cool conditions. Cyclamen mite can be a problem as well a
mealy bugs if grow near infected plants.
Comments:
Columneas are great houseplants for hanging
baskets that put on stunning displays of bloom some are seasonal
in their blooming other are continuous. They like it warm above
65°
and good quality light with some direct sun. In their natural
habitat they are found growing as epiphytes and need a open well
drained potting mix and a period of dryness between waterings.
Heavy soils and long period of moisture will reduce their vigor.
