Columnea is an evergreen plant with creeping or climbing shoots and vibrant red or orange flowers. It is very simple to care for it, which allows it to be successfully grown even by novice amateur flower growers.
The pot for growing columnea must be ceramic. Such a container allows air to pass through well and does not allow water stagnation. In addition, there must be drain holes in the container. The plant should be repotted annually.
The substrate for this flower can be bought in a specialized store or prepared by yourself. Columnea thrives on loose soil. So, the soil for planting should consist of 10% sand, 20% sphagnum and 35% leaf and peat land.
With the formation of the first bud, you need to start feeding at a frequency of once every ten days. It is best to use liquid fertilizers that do not contain lime. With the end of the flowering period, feeding is reduced to two times a month, and at the beginning of autumn, it is completely stopped.
In summer and spring, the columnea needs abundant watering twice a week, while trying not to overdo it, since the root system will quickly rot during stagnant moisture. In the fall, watering is reduced to once a week. Use only soft water at room temperature.
In the summer, it is recommended to regularly spray and bathe in the shower. To soften the water, add a dash of citric acid per liter of liquid.
It is better to grow columnea on the western and eastern windows. The plant loves diffused light. Direct sunlight is contraindicated as it can burn the delicate leaves. In winter, the southern window, where it will have enough light, will be an ideal place for a flower. In summer, the air temperature should be + 20-26 degrees, and in winter - 14-17 degrees.
