Shame flowers are known as sense flowers. The exotic plants exude a special charm when they are in bloom. But the plants require a little more attention, because only optimal location conditions and care measures ensure that they bloom all year round.
How do I properly care for a pubic flower?
The pubic flower, also known as the sense flower, is an exotic plant from the genus Aeschynanthus. It prefers a bright location without direct sun, high humidity and a slightly acidic substrate. The main flowering period is from June to September and its growth habit is ideal for hanging baskets.
Origin
Shamflowers represent the genus Aeschynanthus, which belongs to the Gesneria family. It includes between 140 and 185 species, mainly found in southern and southeastern Asia and Oceania. Here the plants grow in the moist rainforests. Since botanists are constantly discovering new pubic flowers or classifying them in different genus, the number of species fluctuates. The species Aeschynanthus radicans and Aeschynanthus x splendidus are important in indoor cultivation.
Growth
The herbaceous or shrub-like plants are persistent and are mostly evergreen. Within the genus there are two species that store water with their thickened plant parts. The shoots are mostly hanging and rarely upright or climbing. The shoot axis can be branched or unbranched and grow up to 60 centimeters long. In their natural distribution areas, pubic flowers rarely grow rooted in the ground. Most species are epiphytes that grow on other trees or on stones and rocks.
leaves
Shamflowers develop opposite or whorled leaves that consist of a stalk and blade. The shape of the leaf blade differs depending on the species. There are narrow, ovoid or rounded leaves with a wedge-shaped, rounded or narrowed base. The leaves are soft-leaved or thick, downy or glabrous. Aeschynanthus longicaulis develops marbled leaves with a green-white color.
Bloom
The flowers of the pubic flowers stand singly or in groups at the end of a shoot axis. They have a hermaphrodite structure and consist of five funnel-shaped petals. The corolla ends with two lips. The inside of the crown is slightly hairy or bald. The colored markings inside the flowers are typical for many species.
Flowering time
The main flowering period extends from June to September, with Aeschynanthus species developing flowers from spring to the winter months under optimal conditions. Ornamental plants with bright red corollas and a dark purple calyx are typical. Aeschynanthus speciosus flowers orange-red, with the inside of the flower colored orange-yellow.
Fruit
After the flowering period, linear capsule fruits develop that protrude from the calyx. In some species the fruits can be up to 50 centimeters long. They contain between one and 50 seeds. Pubic flowers are pollinated by birds. Therefore, species and varieties cultivated as houseplants only develop fruit through human intervention.
Usage
The floral ornamental plants are used for indoor greenery. They are not suitable for cultivation outdoors. Pubic flowers thrive in planters that decorate winter gardens and warm houses. Their growth habit makes them ideal plants for hanging baskets.
Is pubic flower poisonous?
Since there are different reports on the toxicity of pubic flowers, you should cultivate the plant with caution in the children's room or on the cat balcony. While some sources present the plants as unproblematic, there are other indications of slight toxicity.read more
Which location is suitable?
The suitable location provides the plants with sufficient light. Pubic trees cannot tolerate direct sunlight. A place on the east or west window does not cause any problems for the plants. A few hours of sunshine in the morning or evening are not a problem.
Humidity
Pubic flowers require high humidity. Place the planter in a planter whose bottom has been filled with pebbles. Pour some water into the planter. As it evaporates, it improves the microclimate. Additionally, you should spray the plant with water every day.
How to ensure an optimal microclimate:
- Cultivate shame flower in room display case
- alternatively place in a closed flower window
- growing in the mini greenhouse on the east or west window
What soil does the plant need?
Plant pubic flowers in a slightly acidic substrate with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. You can use commercial compost-based potting soil. With sand you improve the permeability of the substrate, because the plants prefer loose and coarse-fiber soil. Mix in some clayey soil.
Propagate pubic flower
Aeschynanthus species are propagated via head and shoot cuttings, which can be cut all year round. Cut off ten centimeter long pieces of shoots and remove the lowest pair of leaves. The cutting forms roots in a suitable location in a mixture of equal parts peat and sand. This should be located out of the direct sun and ensure a temperature between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius.
A uniformly high air and soil moisture is the prerequisite for successful root formation. Fresh leaf growth indicates that roots have developed. After another week or two, the young plants can be pricked out or placed in a hanging basket in groups of ten to 15.read more
Public flower in the pot
Pots made from natural materials are ideal for cultivating pubic flowers. Clay, stone or terracotta have a porous structure that absorbs the irrigation water. The pots ensure natural regulation of soil moisture. Excess water is removed from the substrate and directed outside. As it evaporates on the outside, the humidity automatically increases. The bucket should have several drainage holes so that water does not collect at the bottom of the pot.
Balcony
During the summer months, the pubic flower enjoys an outdoor space as long as it is well shaded. The exotic plant cannot tolerate the harsh midday sun. Place the pot on the balcony when temperatures no longer fall below 15 degrees Celsius at night. High humidity should continue to be ensured.
In the greenhouse
The mini greenhouse for the windowsill ensures a warm, humid microclimate and is therefore perfect for cultivating pubic flowers. Place a bowl on the floor that is always filled with water. Warm temperatures cause the water to evaporate and ensure high humidity. Regular ventilation units should be the order of the day so that mold spores have no chance to settle.
Water the shame flower
From spring to autumn, pubic flowers require moderate watering. Make sure to water evenly and sparingly so that the root ball does not dry out between waterings. When the pubic flower is in full bloom, you can increase the amount of watering. From October to March, the substrate is kept drier to stimulate bud formation.
Good to know:
- cold water harms plants
- Always use water at room temperature
- water and spray with soft or stale water
- filtered rainwater is optimal
Fertilize the pubic flower properly
During the growing season you can fertilize the pubic flower every two weeks. Use a liquid complete fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon), which you administer in a weak concentration via the irrigation water. If the plant is in the dormant phase, one or two fertilizer applications are sufficient.
Cut the pubic flower correctly
In early spring, before the growing season begins, the pubic flower tolerates pruning. Shorten shoots that have grown too long by two thirds. Non-woody shoots are cut off with a clean and sharp knife, while secateurs are suitable for woody shoot axes. If you don't cut the plant back, it will grow more and more sprawling. Pubic flowers become more and more beautiful over the years.
How do I transplant correctly?
Shames should be repotted in early spring or fall after flowering. The plant reacts extremely sensitively to changing conditions. If you repot shortly before or during flowering, pubic flowers will suddenly drop their flowers.
As soon as the root ball takes up the entire pot or roots grow out of the drainage holes, the plants need a larger pot. Gently tap the root ball on a surface to loosen any remaining substrate. Dead roots are removed. You can trim live roots to maintain a balance between leaf mass and root ball. This measure is recommended if you want to continue using the old pot. After repotting, protect the pubic flower from the sun for the next two to three weeks.
Wintering
In a greenhouse with consistent conditions all year round, pubic flowers do not go into a dormant phase. As the availability of light dwindles, growth slows noticeably. To stimulate flower formation, you should keep the plant at temperatures between twelve and 15 degrees Celsius and keep it as dry as possible.
Pests
Various pests occur on pubic flowers, which spread preferentially in winter and spring when site conditions are suboptimal.
Aphids
Occasionally, pubic flowers are attacked by aphids in spring and early summer. They reproduce en masse within a very short period of time because the females do not need a male sexual partner to reproduce. Weakened and over-fertilized plants are more likely to be attacked.
Spider mites
If you see fine cobwebs between the leaves, this indicates an infestation by spider mites. They prefer to sit on the underside of the leaf and suck plant sap from the meridians near the leaf veins. Initially, small spots can be seen on the leaves. If the infestation is severe, the leaves die.
Thrips
They are one of the rarer pests of pubic flowers that cause growth problems and lead to leaf loss. The pests known as bladderpods reproduce in dry and warm conditions, which often occur in winter quarters.
Tip
Get test strips from the pharmacy or gardening store that you can use to measure the pH value of the soil. The value is essential for he althy growth.
Varieties
- Aeschynanthus bracteatus: Climbing or hanging habit, leaves up to ten centimeters long. Flowers colored scarlet, in clusters.
- Aeschynanthus longicaulis: Semi-creeping growth, leaves eight centimeters long, dark green. One to three flowers, orange-red. Shoots up to 90 centimeters long.
- Aeschynanthus marmoratus: Creeping perennial. Leaves shine green with dark marbling, reddish shimmer underneath. Flowers greenish-yellow with brownish throat. Shoots up to 90 centimeters long.
- Aeschynanthus radicans: Initially rising, later overhanging shoots, woody. Leaves dark green, shiny. Flowers bright red with cream stripes in the center. Calyx black-red..
