Achimenez winter care. Tropical achimenes: care and features of growing at home. Lighting and temperature

Dear flower growers and flower lovers, today our article is about the beautiful achimenes flower. The number of fans of this wonderful plant is growing every year.

Its abundant inflorescences, with bright attractive flowers, and juicy green leaves, look very elegant. Ahimenes is ideal for decorating a balcony and apartment because it blooms for a long time, luxuriantly and stunningly beautiful.

flower description

Achimenes came to us from South America, belongs to the Gesneriaceae family and is related to Saintpaulias (violets) and gloxinias. In tropical regions, it grows in the wild, but here, in Russia, it is a resident of apartments and is grown as indoor flower. But the flower has retained its tropical preferences: it loves warm and humid air, while direct sunlight will not please it. The flower loves bright but diffused light or partial shade, because in its homeland it is used to living in the shade of taller crops.

Ahimenez is a perennial, has jagged pointed dark green leaves, grows to a height of 30-60 cm, depending on the plant variety. It blooms luxuriantly and massively, the duration of flowering is maintained due to the fact that faded buds are constantly replaced by new ones. Flowers come in various colors and types, but all of them are characterized by a long-tube base and a funnel-shaped calyx.

The roots of achimenes do not go deep, but spread over the surface. The plant accumulates all nutrients in rhizomes - these are special pineal roots.

Rhizoma is Latin for rhizome. Achimenes has no tubers, only modified and shortened shoots, consisting of a shortened stem and scales - modified leaves - rhizomes. In this plant, they often resemble birch catkins, but they can also be different size, shapes and colors.

achimenes rhizomes

One of the reasons why flower growers like achimenes so much is the opportunity to grow a plant of stunning beauty from a nondescript strange bump.

After its enchanting flowering, achimenes retires, into hibernation. All its aerial parts gradually dry up and die off, only rhizomes remain, from which a new flower will appear next spring.

Growing achimenes

Growing this flower is not difficult. One of the easiest ways to become the owner of this beautiful plant is to purchase a rhizome. You can buy rhizomes in online stores, on forums from breeders or garden centers.

Before purchasing planting material, evaluate its appearance. Rhizomes should not be limp, damaged, blackened, or dried to straw.

Rhizomes ready for planting often have distinct sprouts. This suggests that the root woke up from hibernation and can be safely planted in the ground.

Planting achimenes with rhizomes

Planting technology is simple: we prepare a container for planting. It can be a small container at the rate of one flower in one pot.

Also, achimenes can be planted in groups of 3-5 rhizomes in one pot. But then the size of the landing capacity should be larger. At the same time, we must remember that the root system of the plant is superficial and they do not need very deep pots.

The soil is chosen quite loose, with peat content. Or take ordinary soil and loosen it a little with sand, perlite or biohumus.

Good drainage is another necessary condition for the comfort of this handsome man. He can't stand water! We pour drainage at the bottom of the pot, lay the soil.

Rhizomes are placed on top of the soil in a horizontal position and sprinkled with a layer of earth 2 cm thick. If the rhizomes are very tiny (this happens in some varieties), then the top layer of the earth should be thinner.

The first shoots will appear in 2-3 weeks. If achimenes does not germinate for a long time, then you can stimulate it with a single watering warm water(50-60 degrees). Also, the plant may not germinate due to uncomfortable low temperatures, make sure it is at least 25 degrees Celsius.

After the stalks germinate, the greenhouse is gradually removed within one to two days. One rhizome can produce 2-3 stalks, and such a friendly crowd of sprouts come to the surface.

Video about landing achimenez

You can see more details about the landing of achimenes in this video.

achimenez care

Ahimenes is not at all difficult to care for. Follow these simple rules and he will delight you every day with his beauty.

Lighting

The plant prefers bright but diffused light. From direct sun rays shading is required, especially if it is on a south window, where the bright sun can cause burns on the leaves.

Temperature

Favorable temperature for achimenes is 22-24 degrees. He is thermophilic, at 20 degrees he is already cold. Therefore, if you want to grow it in flowerpots on the street or open balcony, remember that when it gets cold, it must be brought inside the room.

Watering

During the period of active growth and a set of buds, the plant needs regular moderate watering. Ahimenes will not endure both drought, buds wither from it, and overflow, from which rotting of the roots can begin. Look for the golden mean.

Spraying will also be redundant, the flower does not like it, it leaves spots on the leaves. But this tropical plant needs high air humidity, so we recommend humidifying the air in the room or placing the pot in a tray with wet claydite.

top dressing

Actively growing achimenes need regular top dressing once every one to two weeks. Use complex fertilizers for indoor plants. Pay special attention to fertilizers with a nitrogen content, which will favorably affect growth.

rest period

Ahimenes is a flower with a pronounced dormant period. After rapid flowering, the ground part of the plant dries up. While this process continues, the plant prepares for hibernation by forming rhizomes.

During this period, watering is reduced and top dressing is stopped. The stems are not pruned until completely dry, so that they can transfer all the nutrients to the root.

How to dig up rhizomes and prepare for storage

Ahimenes can be left in a pot without digging out the rhizomes, and in the spring he will wake up again. But if you want to save space, plant a flower in the future and get a few plants, then the best solution is to dig them up.

Rhizomes are easily stored dry in zip-bags in vermiculite, which is no doubt convenient and compact. Thus, a huge collection of different varieties can fit in just one small box.

In addition, rhizomes in bags do not require watering at all. Dig, fold and forget. Remembered only in the spring.

It should be noted that flower growers who are fond of achimenes get special pleasure from digging out riza and often compare this process with harvesting. Because while the plant is in a pot, it is not known which rhizomes and how many of them he managed to grow during the period of growth and flowering.

Therefore, we can say that digging up the roots of achimenes is as interesting as opening a kinder surprise.

To do this, you must first of all wait until the plant is fully ready for a dormant period. It will make it clear to you with all its appearance.

It is impossible to cut the stems before it completely dries out, because this will affect the rhizomes, they will not have time to ripen and form as expected. Therefore, although it is not entirely beautiful, we are waiting for just this type of plant.

First of all, cut off all the dry branches of the plant with sharp scissors.

We take out an earthen ball from the pot and inspect. In some places you will already notice rhizomes.

Very carefully, with our fingers, we begin to remove the excess earth and break the earthen clod. Usually all rhizomes are concentrated in the upper and middle parts of the pot.

Ahimenes rhizomes are quite fragile, but if you break one or more, it's not a big deal. Ahimenes will sprout in the future from every part. This is how the rhizomes are found. They fall off on their own or you can gently rip them off.

The found crop is laid out in some container. Rhizomes may look different depending on the variety. They are long, short or round and super-small at 0.5 cm. One variety in a pot can have roots of completely different lengths.

If the harvest turned out to be small and unsightly - do not be discouraged, all the same, all cuts are suitable for future germination, and perhaps next time you will be more lucky.

For each variety, we prepare a separate bag. Pour vermiculite into it.

Rhizomes are placed in a bag and sent for storage in a box with a lid to exclude light. The box is placed in a dark cool place, the storage temperature of the achimenes rhizomes is winter period 15-17 degrees.

Once every few months, the condition of the rhizomes should be checked. Does condensation accumulate inside the bags - it must be removed, the bag opened and ventilated.

Did any signs of fungal diseases appear on the rhizomes: mold, darkening, rotting. If you find something similar, cut off the affected areas and treat the rhizome with antifungal drugs such as Fitosporin (according to the instructions), then dry and pack again.

Reproduction of achimenes

This plant has several ways of reproduction. Let's look at each of them and then we will understand which ones are better to use. If desired, you can combine these methods to achieve the best result.

Reproduction by rhizomes

You have already seen the most popular way. This is propagation by rhizomes. It is the most reliable and fast way get multiple plants in just one season. After all, the rhizome works on the principle of a potato tuber: you plant one or part, and you get several, usually from 6 to 10 pieces (depending on the variety).

Moreover, this method does not require any effort from the grower - the roots are formed independently. In order to have more of them and they are of good quality, you just need to provide the plant with a container that is spacious enough in width and good care.

Reproduction by aerial rhizomes

Not all varieties of achimenes can please us with aerial rhizomes, but nevertheless there are such in nature and we need to talk about them. Their function is the same as that of the basal ones.

Sometimes they form like this, on stems. You don't need to cut them right away. We harvest only after the stem has dried. Aerial rhizomes can also be stored in bags and planted in the ground in spring. You will get a great plant.

Reproduction by cuttings

Ahimenes is easily rooted in this way, like any plant with non-growth stems. The stalk is chosen apical, it can be completely small size.

With a sharp razor or knife, it is cut off and placed in the ground under the greenhouse for rooting. It also takes root well in peat tablets.

Cuttings are made before the flowering of the plant.

leaf reproduction

This plant can indeed be propagated even by leaves. This is also a good way to get several plants at once.

With a sharp knife, cut off the achimenes leaf with the cutting and place it in the ground and in the greenhouse, like a violet leaf. After a couple of weeks, he will have the first roots. When propagating achimenes by cuttings and leaves, it is necessary to maintain a sufficient level of soil moisture.

However, when planting leaves in the spring, they will bloom only the next season.

Their first summer will be spent on the formation of the root system and rhizomes. In winter, rooted leaves will be prudent not to disturb or dig up their rhizomes, but leave them to winter in pots.

In the spring, when achimenez hatches from the leaf, he will need to transfer to a larger pot. And this summer, he will delight you with flowering.

Now that you've learned all about achimenes, you shouldn't have any problems growing them. And we hope that these wonderful plants will decorate your homes soon.

Perhaps no plant has such a rich range of colors and shades of petals as achimenes! The photo shows only some of the varieties. All shoots are covered with flowers. For abundant and full flowering, special care is needed. Tropical beauty propagated by seeds, cuttings and rhizomes. Growing achimenes is possible at home.

Homeland of achimenes, morphological features

For the first time this flower was noticed by Patrick Braunun. Struck by its beauty and lush flowering, he brought it to Europe from Jamaica in the 18th century. Homeland achimenez South America, where the plant blooms all year round.

A low plant with serrated pubescent leaves, blooming profusely for most of the year, immediately earned love and popularity. Bright, multi-colored tube flowers bloom profusely all summer.

Breeders brought varieties of various colors and shades:

• white;
• pink;
• red;
• yellow;

• orange;
• purple;
• lilac;
• blue.

Achimenes flowers are simple and double, spotted, striped, with small and large flowers. Achimenes are distinguished by the type of stem: erect and ampelous. Balcony, loggia, terrace will be decorated with ampelous achimenes varieties that can be planted in flowerpots. Plants with erect stems look good in tall flowerpots. Those who have decided to dedicate part of their care and love to this unusual flower need to know the rules of reproduction and care features.

Achimenes has a pronounced dormant period, when the ground part of the plant dies off completely. Some consider this a disadvantage, while for others, this feature simplifies storage. In the cold season, balconies and loggias are empty, and it is not always possible to place all the flower pots in the room. Ahimenes rhizomes can be stored compactly in bags, and planted again in the spring.

Features of propagation by seeds

Tropical beauty reproduces by seeds, cuttings and rhizomes (modified roots resembling cones).

Seed propagation is more troublesome, you can not get the desired inflorescence colors, since the properties of hybrids are not preserved when propagated by seeds. Seeds can be collected in large quantities, abundant flowering provides this opportunity. Seeds are dried and stored until spring. Sowing is done like this:

• Seeds are placed in soil consisting of sand and humus in a ratio of 1: 1 on moist soil, slightly pressed.

Attention! It is not necessary to cover the seeds with a layer of soil, as this will slow down the seedlings.

• The pot is covered with a film or glass, creating a greenhouse effect. Do not forget to air 1-2 times a day.
• Watch the soil moisture, it should not dry out.

• The temperature should be constant + 22-25 ° C.
• And be sure to have bright lighting.

After 2-3 weeks (if all the rules are followed), the seeds will germinate. Then the seedlings are transplanted. You can admire the flowering of achimenes in two years.

Propagation by rhizome and cuttings

The cutting method is the simplest, but there are “pitfalls” here. The cuttings may rot. Conditions for germinating cuttings.

• The cuttings are cut with a knife.
• For a few minutes, place in an antibacterial solution.
• Then into water for germination.
• After the appearance of the roots, the stalk is planted in the soil.

Advice. For better rooting, provide a greenhouse effect, this will reduce the evaporation of moisture from the leaves.

• The most favorable temperature is +20-22 °С.
• Constant sunlight, but not the scorching sun.
• Sufficient moisture, drying of the soil can destroy the cutting.
• For better growth roots can be watered with a stimulant solution.
• The appearance of peduncles in 2-3 months.

The fastest and most common method of reproduction by rhizomes. Also the most efficient. You can prepare rhizomes in the fall, when the plant has fallen into a "sleepy" state. Rhizomes are separated from the soil and placed in sand or bags until spring. Rotten and diseased parts of the rhizome are removed, only healthy material is stored.

In the spring, the rhizomes are separated, planted in separate pots. The temperature is raised to +20-25°C. The soil must be constantly moist. When the rhizome sprouts, the pot is transferred to the light. The first flowers should appear in 4 months.

Attention! Ahimenes love the light, but can not stand the scorching sun. Try to shade the plant at any age.

Care rules

Ahimenes needs sunlight, but at the same time does not like direct sunlight. It is better to place flowerpots with achimenes in slightly shaded places. Needs moisture, but waterlogging leads to rotting of the root system. In order not to "fill" the root system, provide good drainage (fill 1/3 of the pot with pebbles). For irrigation, it is necessary to use settled, heated water. "Cold shower" leads to the appearance of brown spots on the leaves.

Attention! During watering, moisture should not fall on the plant, otherwise it will become stained.

For proper growth and flowering, high humidity of about 70% is required. You can ensure comfortable conditions by spraying the air around the flower by placing the flowerpot in a tray with moist material (sphagnum, pebbles, etc.).

For abundant flowering, it is necessary to pinch the shoots and remove the buds that have finished flowering (if you do not collect seeds). The temperature of the content should be constant from +20 to +25°C. A decrease in temperature can serve as a signal of preparation for winter, the plant may begin to dry, and the abundance of flowering will decrease.

Pests and methods of dealing with them

Like any plant, achimenes have their own diseases and pests that negatively affect growth and development. Diseases affecting these beautiful flowers include:

• thrips;
• spider mite;
• mealy worm.

Ahimenez does not like spraying, so pest control will have to be done differently. If an aphid has appeared on the flower, the leaves and shoots are wiped with a cotton pad dipped in an insecticide solution. It is better to immediately take care of the prevention of aphids infestation. To do this, put a pot of marigolds, onions or garlic next to it. Thrips also do not like the "aroma" of these plants. But if they do start, you'll have to be patient. The larvae are removed with a vacuum cleaner. To get rid of adult insects, fly tape is hung out.

If a spider mite is wound up on a flower, ultraviolet irradiation (quartz treatment) is necessary. For prevention, they use all the same onions, garlic, marigolds. You can prepare a decoction of horseradish root, cyclamen, dandelion, black henbane. Broth must be sprayed with a place where there is a flower, pallet, pot. Chemical preparations you can only wipe the plant.

An alcohol solution will help get rid of the mealy worm, which you need to wipe the leaves and stems. To prevent the appearance of a pest, a decoction of garlic, onion or horsetail is placed next to the flowerpot.

Ahimenes - beautiful flower. You will experience a great feeling of admiration and satisfaction from the contemplation of the delicate and bright flowers grown by you, if you pamper him with care and love.

The secrets of growing achimenes: video

Flower growers value this plant for its unpretentiousness, long and abundant flowering. The achimenes flower is a relative of the violet and belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. In total, there are more than 30 different varieties and each of them has its own “zest” - first of all, it is a variety of colors and shades. At proper care flowering is plentiful, lasts from June to September. In this article you will find all the information you need about the care, planting and intricacies of growing achimenes.

This is a perennial plant that came to us from the tropical forests of Central and South America. There are different types of achimenes - with creeping, erect and drooping stems. The leaves are slightly pubescent and appearance vaguely reminiscent of nettles. The flowers are very bright, very different colors and sizes, have the shape of slightly elongated bells. Long flowering is due to the fact that buds appear to replace the old flowers.

If caring for achimenes is organized correctly, then in one season they can bloom twice. The first time in the spring or in June, the second - in September. Then the transition of the plant to a state of rest begins - the leaves wither, dry out. For those who have not had to deal with achimenes, it may seem that the plant has died. But only the aerial part dies off, and the rhizomes remain in a dormant state until spring, after which they awaken and again delight flower growers with lush flowering.

Rules for caring for achimenes

The rules for caring for an achimenes flower are not too complicated. It does not tolerate strong temperature changes, low humidity, cold drafts. The rest of the plant is practically no trouble.

1. Optimal temperature. From the moment of awakening by rhizomes (a scaly rhizome in the form of a nodule), throughout the entire period of vegetation and flowering, it is necessary to adhere to a temperature of about + 22 ... 23 ° C. In autumn, when the rhizomes begin to prepare for dormancy, the temperature is gradually reduced to +15°C.
2. Lighting. Ahimenes love bright light, but they do not tolerate direct sunlight. Sensitivity to light largely depends on the variety. Plants with variegated leaves are more susceptible and should be shaded. Varieties with dark leaves tolerate a moderate amount of direct sunlight painlessly. Both of them will feel great on the windows on the west side, but on the south it is better to slightly shade them. If possible, pots with plants can be taken out into the street or an open balcony.
3. Watering. During the growing season, flowers require abundant watering. But you need to make sure that there is no stagnation of water. Make holes in the bottom of the pot for good drainage. The flower does not like when water gets on it, so watering is carried out directly under the root or in the pan. Water temperature for irrigation should be slightly above room temperature. During the flowering period, watering is carried out every 3 days, after its completion, their frequency gradually decreases.
4. The soil. Rhizomes of achimenes are planted in fertile, light, breathable soil. You can buy ready-made soil for saintpaulias or cook it yourself. The optimal ratio is one part of peat, perlite or coarse sand and humus. It will be useful to add a little hydrogel or finely chopped sphagnum to the finished substrate so that the soil is consistently moist. Achimenes respond well to the introduction of a small amount of cow dung into the soil.
5. Spraying. Plants must not be sprayed. When drops of water fall on the leaves, they will remain brown spots. To increase the humidity, spray the air only around the plant, making sure that moisture does not get on the leaves. You can use another option - pour a little water into the container, fill it with pebbles and put the pot with the plant on top so that its bottom does not touch the water.
6. Top dressing. For the first time in a season, the flower is fed only 3-4 weeks after the appearance of the first shoots. Use complex mineral fertilizers. While achimenes blooms, top dressing is repeated every two weeks. After the end of flowering, they are completely stopped. Abundant and frequent feeding can reduce the intensity of flowering, so it is not recommended to use mineral fertilizers more than twice a month.
7. Dormancy and pruning. From mid-autumn, the leaves of Ahimenes begin to gradually dry out. At this time, rhizomes gain nutrients, pulling them out of the soil and leaves, so pruning is carried out only after the aerial part of the plant has completely dried. The pot with rhizomes is removed for wintering in a dark place with a temperature of about + 15 ° C. soil in winter time moisturize very moderately and no more than once a month. It is gently moistened with well-settled water along the edge of the pot. High humidity can lead to premature awakening of rhizomes.

If achimenez "woke up" ahead of time, then for its normal development it is necessary to provide good lighting with fluorescent lamps.

Planting achimenes cuttings, rhizomes, seeds

Ahimenes can be propagated different ways. The most common and simplest is planting achimenes with rhizomes. But sometimes growers have to resort to other methods. For example, growing a new variety from seeds.

1. rhizomes. The simplest and effective method reproduction - rhizomes. Rhizomes of Ahimenes are scaly nodules. One such nodule can give several sprouts at once. During transplantation, they are separated from the roots, laid out on the surface of moistened soil and sprinkled with a dry layer up to 2 centimeters. At the germination stage, you need to constantly monitor the level of humidity, preventing the soil from drying out. With regular moisture and a temperature not lower than + 22 ° C, sprouts will appear in 8-12 days. After the appearance of the first leaves, the seedlings are carefully seated in separate pots.
2. Green cuttings. A branch of achimenes is cut into 3 cuttings. The bottom two should have 3 internodes. The lower leaves from the cuttings must be removed to accelerate rooting. Slices are slightly dried before planting - for this they are dipped in finely crushed coal. The part of the cutting where the callus with roots will form is dipped in a root formation stimulator. Next, the cuttings are placed in a wet, warm mixture - peat, sand or perlite, covered with polyethylene in the form of a greenhouse. Roots should appear in 10-14 days.
3. Seeds. This method is more laborious, since the seeds of achimenes are very small. For sowing, they are mixed with a small amount of sand, which is sprinkled on moist soil. It is not necessary to sprinkle them on top, otherwise germination will have to wait a very long time. The soil is periodically moistened with a spray bottle, the container is covered with plastic wrap, from time to time airing the greenhouse. Entries will appear no later than in two weeks. In the initial stages of growth, it is very important to provide them with full coverage so that the sprouts do not stretch out and die. Picking is carried out at least three times in the spring.

Pests, diseases and how to deal with them

Ahimenes are considered resistant to pests and diseases, but errors in agricultural technology can adversely affect the condition of plants. Problems are eliminated by using appropriate preparations and correcting errors in care.

• Ring spot. Occurs if watering is used cold water or the plant is exposed to direct sunlight.
• Yellowing leaves(except veins). The manifestation of chlorosis, which is the result of watering with hard water or a lack of iron.
• Gray rot. fungal disease, in which the leaves turn brown, die off, a grayish coating forms on them. Most often it develops at low temperatures in combination with high humidity. Damaged leaves must be removed immediately, the plant should be treated with fungicides - Fundazol or other drugs.
• Spider mite. A double treatment of the plant with acaricides is required. Between treatments you need to withstand a week break. Drugs such as Neoron, Fitoverm, Akarin work well.
• Aphid, mealybug, whitefly. Pests are destroyed by watering the flower with Aktara or other insecticides.

A strong plant is less susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to carry out feeding and watering in a timely manner, to protect the flower from cold drafts and direct sunlight. Then achimenes will bloom all summer, delighting you with their beauty.

There are a huge number of plant species that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. Moreover, experienced flower growers prefer those luxuriantly blooming bright flowers that indulge in their beauty for several months and at the same time do not require very complex care. One of these special and most popular plants is achimenes - a closely related fellow of charming violets and gloxinia.

Not only a home flower, but also a decoration for summer terraces

Achimenes (Achimenes) is a bright perennial decorative flowering representative of the Gesneriaceae family. About fifty species of this plant are known to exist.

Ahimenez is a small shrub with sprawling creeping and erect stems, on which, during almost the entire period of active vegetation, beautiful flowers. Variations of their colors are surprising in variety: there are white, yellow, pink, raspberry, scarlet, purple, blue colors with colorful patches and spots. The leaves of the plant are glossy, with jagged edges, from green to red. The height of the shrub usually does not exceed half a meter, and the diameter of the crown reaches 30 cm.

The leaves of the achimenes are glossy with jagged edges.

Ahimenes is native to Central and South America. It is most common in Mexico and Jamaica, in natural conditions it prefers to settle in the humid tropics, where the air temperature does not drop below +15 °C.

At home, achimenez takes root well, but requires warm air and regular watering. Ahimenes is one of those perennials, which are completely deprived of the ground part during the dormant period.

IN summer period you can grow achimenes on open terraces and on a balcony, he is not afraid of drafts.

Types of achimenes and their features

For ornamental cultivation use several types of achimenes. The most popular ones are listed below.

• Ahimenes Ehrenberga. An upright stem 40–50 cm high. Flowers no more than two and a half centimeters in diameter, pale purple, yellow throat with pink splashes.
• prostrate. Low growing shrub (maximum 30 cm). It has purple flowers with a diameter of about 2 cm, the color of the shoots varies from green to brown.
• upright. The stem is straight, height up to half a meter. The flowers are small (up to 1 cm) bright red in color, the shoots have a burgundy hue.
• longiflorum. Plant height from ten to thirty centimeters. The flowers are very large compared to their counterparts, sometimes up to 6.5 cm in diameter. Color options: lilac-blue, pink, blue with a white or pale yellow throat.
• Mexican. Srednerosly representative, has lowered shoots and flowers. Coloring is represented by pink, purple and lilac shades.
• fringed. Low-growing shrub, height does not exceed thirty centimeters. The flowers are white, up to 2 cm, have fringed notches along the edge.
• ebis. Blue-violet flowers, double, medium size. Low growing compact shrub.
• variegated. The flowers are large, up to five centimeters in diameter, have a yellow throat interspersed and a red corolla. Shoots also with a red tint, do not exceed 30 cm in length.

Photo gallery: achimenes with different colors and shapes of flowers and leaves

Achimenes erectus blooms bright red buds Ahimenez mexican has drooping shoots and flowers Ahimenes longiflorum has the largest flowers compared to other varieties The height of achimenes Ehrenberg does not exceed half a meter Ahimenes open buds lilac shade Flowers of achimenes heterophyllous have a red corolla Achimenes fringed has notches along the edge of the flower

Video: a beautiful collection of different varieties of achimenes

Table: conditions of detention depending on the season

Season	Temperature	Humidity and watering regime	Lighting	top dressing
Spring Summer	Permissible up to +30 °С; optimally from +23 °С to +25 °С.	Moderate humidity, periodic spraying (except for the flowering period). Watering is plentiful, as the soil dries out, without allowing moisture to stagnate.	Bright sunlight with shading	The first top dressing 1.5 months after germination, then - with each watering in half concentration
Autumn	From +20 °С to +25 °С	Watering is periodic, not plentiful
Winter	About +10 °С, but not lower	Never or rarely, only so that the rhizomes do not dry out	darkened place	Not required

How to plant and transplant a flower into a new pot

Annually at the end of winter or the beginning of spring it is required to replant the plant. Pot for achimenes pick up a small size of medium depth. The bottom should have a drainage hole. As a drainage layer (1/3 of the volume of the pot), shards, pebbles, expanded clay and other similar materials with the addition of charcoal are used.

The soil for planting can be bought at the store (soil for Saintpaulias is suitable) or you can cook it yourself. The planting soil mixture should consist of sand, leafy and soddy soil (1/2:2:1) or sand, peat and leafy soil (2:3:6).

Transplantation is carried out by transshipment, moving the soil with a flower into a large container. Transshipment is carried out until mid-summer during the active growing season according to the following scheme:

1. Water the flower abundantly two hours before the procedure.
2. Turn the pot over and carefully remove the soil ball along with the roots.
3. Place the plant in a previously prepared container with laid drainage, adding soil on the sides.
4. Lightly tamp the substrate, fill up and water abundantly.

Care

In order for the achimenez to please its owner, it is important to properly care for it.

How much to water and when to feed

Ahimenez is a flowering plant, so it needs regular application. nutrients. During the active flowering period, top dressing is carried out twice a month, although ideally, fertilizers should be applied in small dosages with each watering. For these purposes, specialized liquid mineral complexes for flowering plants are used. After the end of flowering and the transition to the "hibernation" mode, top dressing is not required.

The flower is moisture-loving, but does not tolerate stagnant water. During active vegetation and flowering, the plant is watered abundantly, with the advent of cold weather, watering is reduced, and in winter the substrate is periodically moistened to prevent drying out. After the end of the “rest period”, watering is gradually resumed.

Bloom

Ahimenes is characterized by abundant and long flowering, which begins in April and stops only with the arrival of cold weather. Withered flowers are regularly removed so as not to spoil the decorativeness of the plant. Then new buds are not long in coming.

Why you need to pinch a bush

To shape the bush, better branching and increase the number of buds, the plant must be pinched. After the appearance of the fourth pair of leaves, active “growing points” are removed at the ends of the shoot, which provokes the development and growth of dormant points.

It should be noted that a pinched flower will bloom a couple of weeks later than its untouched counterparts.

How to prepare a flower for a dormant period and wake it up in spring

The dormant period of achimenes comes with the advent of cold weather. The aerial part of the plant fades, withers and dries up.

It is removed after complete death. Only the rhizomes remain overwintering. At this time, they are able to withstand temperatures down to +10 ° C, require rare periodic soil moisture.

With the advent of spring, the air temperature rises, the number of waterings is gradually increased, which encourages the plant to actively start growing.

There is another way to store the plant in the winter season. After the death of the surface part of the rhizomes, they are separated from each other, allowed to dry well, distributed in plastic bags with soil filler. However, there is a possibility of poor maturation of tubers.

Problem solving

Table: why leaves curl - the consequences of care errors

Table: pests and diseases of achimenes and their treatment

Reproduction: seeds - no, rhizomes - yes

You can propagate achimenes using cuttings, tubers or seeds. At home, the seeds of the plant rarely ripen, and even in the case of growing a flower from a mature seed, it takes a very long time to wait for the flowering of a young achimenes, so other methods of reproduction are more effective.

The traditional way - cuttings

An easy way to propagate achimenes is to root a stem cutting.

1. Choose a healthy shoot, cut off a stalk with several leaves.
2. The cut stalk is placed in water, which is changed daily.
3. After the roots appear, the flower is planted in soil suitable for an adult plant.

Another way is to root the cutting directly into a wet substrate or a peat humus tablet. In this case, it is necessary to create greenhouse conditions by covering the stalk with a film and regularly airing it.

Dividing and planting rhizomes (rhizome)

This breeding method is successfully used by flower growers who are fond of collecting achimenes.

1. If the plant overwintered in a pot, tuber division is carried out at the end of February.

   If the rhizomes "sleep" in bags, then they are checked for the absence of fungus.

2. When breeding rare varieties, as well as to obtain more plants, each rhizome can be further divided.
3. Up to 10 tuberous segments are planted in the prepared substrate. Deepen two centimeters. Moisturize. The tops should be turned towards the sides of the pot.
4. For rapid germination, it is necessary to place the pot in a warm room, when the first shoots appear, increase the number of waterings.

Video: rules for planting achimenes rhizomes

Have you ever seen an achimenes bloom? This amazing spectacle is impossible to forget. Every gardener wants to have such a curiosity at home. So what is achimenes? Achimenes Pers belongs to the Gesneraceae family and is a relative of the well-known and very decorative saintpaulia, gloxinia, streptocarpus.

In nature, achimenes most often grow in the mountains, starting from 300 meters and ending at 2300 meters above sea level. They can settle in rock crevices, but most of all they prefer soils in tropical forests and along riverbeds. There are almost as many shadows in their habitats as there are suns. The climate here has a clear division into dry and wet seasons, which determines the peculiarities of the growing season of plants.

Variety of achimenes species

According to various sources, there are from 26 to 50 species of achimenes. There are many more hybrids created with their participation. The beauty and variety of their colors and shades is simply amazing. The main parents of most hybrids are two species:

• achimenes long-flowered;
• achimenes grandiflora.

Ahimenes longiflora

The height of the plant is about 30 centimeters. The stem is pubescent, drooping, branching is weak. Propagated by scaly rhizomes - rhizomes.

It has whorled or, more often, opposite leaves of an elongated shape with a sharp end, pubescent. The edge of the leaves is serrated. The leaves below are paler in color. Flowers about 5 cm in diameter, violet-blue, sit in each leaf axil. The corolla consists of a tube up to five centimeters long with bends. Growth area - Guatemala.

Ahimenes grandiflora

It has a height of about 60 centimeters. The leaves are larger than those of the previous species, have a purple coloration of the lower part of the leaf plate. flowers bigger size, can be located two in the sinus. There is a saccular swelling at the base of the flower tube. It reproduces by rhizomes. Habitat - Mexico.

It was these species that made it possible to create numerous hybrids that delight with their flowering. The most famous breeder of the Achimenes is the Romanian Serge Saliba. The varieties he bred are consistently popular. According to the type of habit, these flowers are divided into bush and ampelous (grown in hanging planters).

Popular varieties of achimenes

Bush forms

• Cote d'Ivoire. A small bush with large flowers. They have color Ivory and slightly ruffled petals.
• Lavander Fancy. Small shrub, lavender flowers.
• Purple King. Translated - purple king. This is an old variety, has abundant and long flowering.
• Lady in Black. The compact bush is decorated with flowers that have the color of dark cherries. It grows well even from a single nodule-rhizome.
• Rosenberg. Upright bush, large flowers, bright pink color. Has early abundant flowering.
• "Orange Delight". It can grow in the bush, as well as in the ampelous form. The flower has an orange-red color, and the spot in the center is yellow. The bush is completely covered with flowers.
• Strawberry Lemon. The flowers are yellow, with strawberry strokes and a lemon center, the strokes on each flower have a different arrangement. Because of this, the flowers do not look alike.
• Heart Choice. The flower is medium-sized crimson in color, double or semi-double in shape. It has white strokes and a dot in the center.
• Ever. Very large light lilac flat flower.
• Rosy Frost. A very small bush. Flowers small edges are bright pink, the middle is white, and the neck is striped. Pleases with abundant flowering.
• "Cote'd Or". The bush is tall, the stems are strong, it does not need a garter. The flowers are light yellow, and the center is brighter, has a light purple border. Blooms long and profusely.
• Honey Queen. The bush is upright, well branched. The flowers are honey-yellow, the border is lilac-raspberry. The flower does not fall for a long time.

Ampel

• Platinum. large flower white color with a faint lilac-blue tone. The intensity of the hue depends on the brightness of the light.
• Grape Tears. The flower is medium-sized, very dark burgundy-violet in color, the middle is lighter. The leaves are dark. It grows well even from a single nodule-rhizome.
• "Dale Martens". The flower is lilac-pink, incredibly bright.
• Rose. Can also be grown in bush form. The flower is large lilac-violet. At the bottom of the pharynx yellow spot, specks and stripes of the same color.
• Nocturne. Dark red with a large flower and abundant flowering.
• Show off. It blooms very profusely, the color is blue-violet.

Features of caring for achimenes

In order for the plant to feel good and bestow wonderful flowering, it is necessary to create conditions that are as close as possible to those in which it grows in nature. Proper care and cultivation of achimenes implies compliance with the following requirements:

1. Location and lighting are important for growth;
2. The temperature regime must be observed so that the plant does not die;
3. Proper watering and compliance with air humidity;
4. Periodically, the plant must be fed.

Choice of location and lighting features

There is enough light in the tropics, so our flower also needs bright, but diffused light. The lighting needs of different types achimenez are different: plants with dark leaves like more light. But they can hardly tolerate direct sunlight, buds and flowers may burn. Best of all, the flower will be on the windowsill of the western and eastern windows, in extreme cases, oriented to the southwest or southeast. Protection from direct sunlight at midday is a must. Light day should last from 10 to 12 hours, as in the tropics. On sale there are breeding hybrids with their own lighting preferences. Usually they have young shoots of a dark green color. Such plants will be nice even on the windowsill of the south window. At different stages of development, this flower relates to lighting in different ways. According to the recommendation of Serge Saliba, before the formation of buds, the achimenez will be comfortable in bright sunlight. At this time, even a south-facing window will suit him. With the beginning of the formation of buds, relocation to a semi-shady place is associated, since bright sunlight is harmful for blossoming buds.

Temperature regime

During the active growing season, achimenez loves warmth, such as in his homeland. It is not less than 22-25 degrees. In summer, it tolerates temperatures up to 30 degrees. But lowering it below plus eighteen is fatal for him. Not without reason, in translation from Greek, the name of the flower sounds like it does not tolerate cold. If your pet spends the summer outdoors, be sure to bring him home during cold snaps or cold nights. During the dormant period, the picture changes. At that time best temperature for him from 8 to 15 degrees. At higher temperatures, the plant may come out of dormancy earlier, which is not desirable.

Irrigation regime and humidity requirements

The soil in the pot should be moist, but not waterlogged. If water has accumulated in the pan after watering, it must be poured out. It is better not to allow the soil to dry out. Water achimenes only with settled water. Hard water is softened by adding a few crystals of citric acid.

The temperature of the water used to water the achimenes should be two degrees above room temperature.

This flower is very sensitive to air humidity. It must be at least 60%. However, wetting flowers and leaves with water is unacceptable. This provokes the appearance of dark spots on them. Therefore, spraying cannot be resorted to. You can increase the humidity of the air by installing evaporators or placing the flower in a tray with moss soaked in moisture. It is good to spray the air around the plant from time to time, protecting the leaves. With the onset of a dormant period, the need for watering disappears. Only light wetting of the top coat is required once a month. During preparation for plant rest, the amount of water during irrigation and their frequency are gradually reduced.

Top dressing - a necessary element of care

They begin no earlier than a month after germination and continue throughout the flowering period. They are fed with a complex fertilizer for indoor plants, for example, Kemira Lux, once every ten days: before flowering, fertilizer mixtures are needed for decorative leafy plants, by the time a sufficient number of leaves have grown, namely at the beginning of summer, fertilizer mixtures are used for flowering plants at intervals once a month. The mixture of fertilizers should contain trace elements and have calcium in its composition. With very active flowering, it is possible to fertilize with each watering, but in a small dosage. It is good to alternate mineral top dressing and organic. They should be given in the form of mullein infusion at a dilution of one to fifteen. In August, the plants need to be additionally fed with potash fertilizer, for example, potassium sulfate, the dosage is indicated in the instructions, and from organic fertilizers refuse, thereby reducing the proportion of nitrogen. The last feeding is carried out no later than 1.5 months before the onset of the dormant period.

Plant care at different stages of its vegetation

Throughout the annual cycle, achimenez goes through different stages of development, so care and cultivation at different times of the year will be different.

Spring work on the care of achimenez

With the advent of spring, rhizomes begin to wake up. The first operation to be done is transplanting the rhizomes into new soil. Planting dates should be chosen based on the possibility of additional lighting of plants. If it is available, then it is possible to transplant in February. If it is not possible to illuminate, then it is better to postpone this operation until March so that the grown plants do not stretch.

The old soil must be carefully sorted out by hand, leaving only rhizomes. The rest must be thrown away. Nodules are inspected, rejecting non-living ones. They can be recognized by their dark brown color. In the presence of mold on rhizomes, they are treated with a fungicide. If the damage is too large, it is better to part with such planting material.

Ahimenes and their spring planting

Every spring, achimenes need to renew the soil, so spring planting is a necessary operation.

Planting achimenes rhizomes is not a complicated operation. The pot for this flower is not deep, but wide enough, since its roots are superficial. One rhizome requires at least 0.5 liters of pot volume. As a rule, they are planted in one pot from three to five. They must all be of the same variety. Plants of different varieties may have unequal growth strength, competition will arise between them, the weaker ones will be oppressed. At least a quarter of the height of the pot should be occupied by drainage: small pebbles, fragments of brick or old clay pots. Experienced growers are advised to sprinkle it with crushed eggshell, since this flower is very fond of calcium.

Growing achimenes is possible only in light soil, consisting of two parts of soddy soil, three parts of leaf humus and one part of sand with the addition of crushed sphagnum and charcoal. If it is not possible to prepare the ground on your own, it is permissible to use ready-made soil for saintpaulias with diluted sand and vermiculite (a layered natural mineral). A layer of soil is poured onto the drainage three-quarters of the volume of the pot, 1.5 centimeters of sand are placed on it, rhizomes are laid out horizontally and covered with the remaining soil with a layer of 0.5 to 3 centimeters. Its thickness depends on the size of the rhizome. It is possible to pre-germinate them before the appearance of small sprouts. The earth in a pot is well watered and exposed to light and warmth.

Caring for achimenes during the growing season

Growing and caring for the growing season at home begins with waiting for seedlings. They are waiting for 3 weeks. During this period, moderate watering is required so that the rhizomes that have not yet sprouted do not rot. The plant can be hurried, creating constantly comfortable conditions for it. To do this, put a plastic bag on the pot. If, nevertheless, the seedlings are late, then a single watering with water at a temperature of fifty degrees is used. The lower heating of the flower pot also helps a lot. When the plants reach a height of two centimeters, it is advisable to add the nutrient substrate that was used for planting to them so that they are more stable. A month after the appearance of sprouts, you can start feeding.

For better flowering, it is necessary to pinch young shoots at the level of 2-3 leaves and shoots that have stopped flowering. The procedure is carried out three to five times until the first buds appear. Tetraploid hybrids need a single pinching. Be sure to remove faded flowers.

If the earth in a pot with achimenes began to dry out very quickly, and the flower itself has grown greatly, you will have to transfer to a larger pot. It is better to date it to mid-August, when the plants begin to prepare for the dormant stage. This procedure itself is not complicated, but requires careful handling of the root system of the flower. Water the plant well the day before transshipment. Pick up a larger pot and prepare the soil. Be sure to put drainage on the bottom of the pot, add some earth, remove the plant from the old pot without shaking off the roots from the ground, place it in a new pot, pour it on the sides of the earth, slightly compacting it. Water the flower.

Preparing plants for dormancy

At the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, achimenes begin to prepare for a dormant period, caring for them at this time consists in stopping top dressing and gradually reducing watering. The flower itself will give a signal that it is time for him to rest by reducing the intensity of flowering. Gradually, the leaves and stems will begin to fade. Do not prune them until they are completely dry on their own so that the rhizomes mature well. Trim the plant to 3/4 of its height. Before transferring the pot to permanent storage, the entire aerial part is completely removed.

Dormant plant care

Home care for flowers at rest is to observe the temperature and water regime. Storage of achimenes rhizomes requires a temperature of 8 to 15 degrees. The plant will not need any light or watering. It is better to spray the soil once every month so that the rhizomes do not dry out. The resting state of the plant lasts from four to six months, that is, all the time of a short daylight hours. If there are many Achimenes in the collection, it is difficult to store them in pots, as they require a lot of space. You can store them in hermetically sealed plastic bags with labels. Rhizomes are stored well if coconut substrate, dry sand or vermiculite are poured into bags. In order for the rhizomes to be preserved in bags until spring without damage, they need to be prepared. Carefully remove from the pot, clean, sort, remove the sick and dry. The sachets of rhizomes need to be aired and inspected from time to time. Store them in a cool place.

1. Reproduction by seeds

Seedlings grown from seeds do not retain maternal characteristics. These will be completely different plants. But there is a possibility that their decorative qualities will improve, so it's worth a try. If you do not remove the faded flower, then a fruit forms in its place. After its complete softening, seeds are isolated, which are sown in late February and early March in small containers filled with a wet mixture of sand and leafy soil. Can be sown in clean, damp sand. Sowing is superficial, the seeds are not sprinkled with soil. The container is covered with glass and placed in a warm and bright place. Watering is done in a pan. Crops need to be ventilated.

Shoots will appear no later than three weeks. They need three picks, each time in a larger pot. IN further cultivation and care as for adult plants.

1. Reproduction by cuttings

This method is rarely used, since the cuttings are difficult to protect from decay. Cuttings are carried out in the summer. Only the lower and middle part of the shoot 5 centimeters high is suitable. Rooting occurs in wet sand. It is necessary to cover the rooted stalk glass jar or plastic bag. To achieve rapid rooting, the lower part of the cutting is treated with a root formation stimulator. Suitable "Heteroauxin" or "Kornevin". Lower heating also speeds up this process. Rooting takes 12 to 15 days. When small nodules appear at the base of the stem, achimenes is transplanted into the substrate for adult plants.

Winter storage of young plants obtained by the last two methods has some features. Since their rhizomes are small, it is not recommended to greatly reduce the temperature. It is better to leave them on a bright window, where there will be about 20 degrees of heat. Infrequent moderate watering is required.

Diseases of the achimenes

This flower has no specific diseases. The painful appearance of the plant is most often due to errors in care. When moisture gets on the leaves, it can form dark spots. Excessive moisture provokes a disease of gray rot. If the temperature is too high, the buds may darken. After eliminating errors in care, the plant recovers.

The greatest danger of getting sick in this plant occurs during the dormant period during winter storage of rhizomes. They are susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. For their prevention, it is necessary to add a little contact action fungicide to the bags in which the rhizomes are stored.

If, during the autumn revision of the nodules, before the onset of dormancy, a whitish coating and lumps are found at the root neck, as well as on the roots, they are affected by the root scale insect. To get rid of the pest, the rhizomes of these plants are treated with a systemic insecticide before storage in accordance with the instructions. After processing, they must be dried, and then sent for storage.

Ahimenes - beautiful ornamental plant. With proper care, it will delight for almost six months with its continuous and luxurious flowering. You may already have one or more of these amazing plants. Share photos of your pets with us and tell us about how you care for them.