Achimenes

Achimenes belongs to the family Gesneriaceae. This genus has a multitude of common names such as magic flowers, widow’s tear, Cupid’s bower, or hot water plant. Achimenes has plenty of blooms and therefore is preferable as houseplant, for balconies and terraces. It is actually a vine, but it can also be cultivated as upright plant, but in that case it has to be tied to a surface. It has hairy leaves, about 4 centimeters long, and flowers with the tube that is longer than coalesced crown leaves, which spread abruptly at the top in a shape of a plate. They should be cultivated in a warm place, not too sunny. It is preferable that you water them with lukewarm water, but without drenching the leaves and the flowers. If they are cultivated indoors, it is necessary that you provide a good air circulation and humidity, as well as good ventilation. They are planted from March to May into big flowerpots (about 16 centimeters is best). Planting is very simple. First you need a flowerpot with a perforated bottom (with holes), then put a 1-2 centimeters layer of boulders on the bottom (for drainage), and then fill the flowerpot with flower soil nearly to the top and even it. Pour the soil with rhizomes out of the plastic cup and spread the rhizomes evenly. Be careful because rhizomes are sensitive and fragile. Cover the rhizomes with a 1-2 centimeters layer of soil and carefully press the surface and even it. After planting water it bountifully and leave in a warm and dry place. After a while it will sprout and soon the first blooms will appear. It blooms the most intensively between the beginning of June and the end of October. It grows 20-25 centimeters in height. Water it plenty, especially during the blossom. Fertilize it moderately, preferably with liquid fertilizers. Flowerpot should be kept in a partial shade, avoid the direct sunlight

Cascada

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