Kohleria plants originated in Mexico and South America. They produce tubular and often speckled flowers in various colors, and their foliage can also be decorative. Although hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, they are easily damaged by excess water, so they are usually grown as houseplants. Their culture is similar to that of African Violets, but the height of Kohlerias varies from 6 inches (15 cm) up to 4 feet (1.2 m).
Growing Conditions
Light: Kohleria needs plenty of bright light to bloom. Keep out of direct sunlight.
Water: Spring through fall, water thoroughly, and allow the top 2 inches (5 cm) to dry out between waterings. In winter, water just enough to prevent leaves from wilting. Rhizomes store water, so it's more tolerant of dry soil than wet.
Humidity: Kohleria prefers relative humidity above 50% but will tolerate lower levels. Use a room humidifier or a humidity tray to maintain moist air. Don't mist this plant because the hairy leaves will trap moisture, which will cause spots and possibly botrytis.
Temperature: Average room temperatures between 65 and 75°F (18 and 24°C). Don't expose your plant to temps below 60°F (16°C).
Soil: Peat moss-based potting mix with perlite added for good drainage. The African Violet potting mix is ideal.
Fertilizer: Feed every two weeks in spring and summer with a high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer (such as 10-30-10) diluted by half.
General Care
Put your Kohleria where it'll get plenty of light but out of the direct sun. Filtered light from a south- or west-facing window will give it the light it needs.
Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, but take care not to overwater. Dry soil will cause the plant to go dormant. Soggy soil will quickly cause the rhizomes to rot.
You can expect dozens of blooms on plants in spring and summer. However, you'll get the most blooms by providing plenty of bright, indirect light.
This one likes to be slightly pot-bound and blooms best this way. Repot in spring when it has outgrown its pot. Always use a container with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
Propagation
Divide rhizomes in spring and pot separately. Or take 4-inch (10 cm) leaf tip cuttings with at least one pair of leaves attached and root in moist potting mix. Cover the whole thing with plastic or a glass cloche to hold in moisture. Cuttings root easily in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Source: guide-to-houseplants.com
Links
- Back to genus Kohleria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin