Zebra Basketvine

I bought this plant on a whim at a local grocery store. I knew it was an Aeschynanthus, in the Gesneriaceae family. I did not know what its flowers would look like. I didn't really care, as the mottled foliage would have been enough for me. Today, I took it to the sink to water, and low and behold, it is flowering! Not everyone would be excited for these unassuming, greenish/yellowish/orangish, red splotched flowers, but I am. It was blooming on the side that had been facing the window, (makes sense) so I hadn't noticed them until I took it down to water. The flowers also helped me make the correct identification.

This is the Aeschynanthus longicaulis, formerly marmoratus. Its common names include zebra basketvine, lipstick vine, and basket plant. It originates in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. These  plants grow as epiphytes, ( a plant that derives its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and usually grows on another plant) on large trees. Their name comes from the Greek aischyne, meaning shame, and anthos, flower. I don't know why it has anything to do with shame..... anyway, the foliage is a mottled green on top with dark red undersides. The foliage is why I bought it. Quite often, if I like the foliage I'll buy the plant, not caring if it ever flowers. I use the hashtag #whoneedsflowers a lot on my Instagram account.





































As you can see, the flowers are mottled like the foliage, making it hard to notice the flowers. They are tubular, with a slight curve. I love the purple anthers! In your home, they need a bright indirect light, such as an East or West window. Mine is in the East window hanging in an antique bird cage holder. They should be kept evenly moist, growing in a humus rich soil. I really liked the foliage of this plant and was pleasantly surprised when it flowered.

Here's To You, Fabio!

Columnea hirta 'Light Prince'

I was gifted this plant about 2 years ago by my sister-in-law. We found it at one of the big box stores.  The minute I saw it, with its variegated leaves and orange flowers, I knew it was a "must have" for me. I love variegated plants and orange is one of my favorite colors. It is an Exotic Angel plant and the tag read Columnea 'Prince'. After looking this up on line, I've found that everywhere else it is identified as  'Light Prince', so I am assuming they had the incorrect name on the tag. This isn't the first time I've found the wrong tag on plants from big box stores, so I'm not surprised. Some of the common names include goldfish plant, flying goldfish, dancing dolphins, and shark plant because of the shape of the flowers.


Columneas are in the Gesneriaceae family, and so are cousins of the African violet, Saintpaulia. It was named by Linnaeus to honor Italian botanist Fabio Colonna. The Latinized version of his name is Fabius Columnea, thus the name. 

Well, it's finally blooming again after almost 2 years. I'm not sure why it didn't bloom last winter as it has been in the exact same place the entire time. Did I wash the windows? I don't remember. Did I fertilize it more often this year? Was it over potted?  They bloom better when they are pot bound. Had I been keeping it too wet? They are epiphytic plants in their native Central and South America, so excellent drainage is very important.  It did lose a lot of the leaves  and a few stems when I brought it home so maybe it just needed to recover and get healthy again before it bloomed. I don't know. Maybe all of these were contributing factors. Whatever the cause,  it's blooming now and I couldn't be happier.

Picture of the flower from underneath.

 

Notice the hairs on the flowers.

FYI- If you like Columnea plants, I found that Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses has a huge assortment to choose from. Go to their website to see all the varieties.