Rhodochiton (Rhodochiton) is a grassy vine of the Norichnikov family, which attracts with its bright unusual flowers. The birthplace of the plant is Mexico, where it can grow for several years in open ground, reaching 100 m in length. In our gardens, grown as an annual or indoor perennial.
In culture, only one variety of rhodochiton is so far distributed - purple bell. Various manufacturers offer it under the names:
- purple rain;
- bloody rhodes;
- dark bloody.
All of these names are synonyms and are for commercial purposes.
Botanical characteristics
Rhodochiton is a perennial herb with creeping soft shoots. The stems have internodes where single leaves are attached to long petioles. The length of the stems can reach 3-4 m, every year they become denser and acquire a red-brown color.
Heart-shaped leaves are distinguished by serrated lateral surfaces and a pointed end. The color is dark green, sometimes a reddish border appears along the edge of the sheet. The most saturated color and border acquire lianas in well-lit places.
In June-July, under favorable conditions, flowers begin to bloom on the rhodochiton. They appear under each leaflet and are located on a long flexible peduncle. A tubular, maroon, wine-colored flower has a delicate aroma. At the end of the tube up to 2.5 cm long, a five-petalled bell opens. The ends of the petals are somewhat pointed and resemble the shape of a Chinese lantern. The outer part of the flower is covered with short villi. During the entire flowering period, perianth is preserved on the vine. They have a lighter pink tint and the shape of an open five-pointed bell.
In the open field, flowering ends in September, with cooling and a decrease in daylight hours. Indoors, rhodochiton is able to produce single flowers even in winter. The flowers are bisexual, so they form an ovary after wilting. The fruit has the shape of a pod.
How to grow rhodochiton from seeds?
Rhodochiton seeds are very small, dusty, so they should be germinated very carefully. For seedlings, a substrate is prepared from sand, peat, deciduous humus and garden soil. The pH reaction should be neutral or slightly acidic, in the range of 5.5-6.5. It is advisable to select shallow, well-structured soil. Landing is done in a shallow container or in separate pots.
To disinfect seeds from powdery mildew, it is recommended to soak them in a weak solution of manganese for 3-4 hours before planting. Place seeds on the surface without deepening into the soil. To prevent drying out, cover with a film or glass. Daily ventilate the plants, removing the shelter for 15-20 minutes.
The optimum soil temperature for emergence is 20-24 ° C. The first shoots are formed within 8-20 days, but not very friendly. In different manufacturers, germination varies from 30 to 80%. After the appearance of small sprouts, they are gradually weaned from shelter, and the temperature in the room is lowered to + 18 ° C. With the advent of the third true leaf, seedlings are separated into separate pots. This is due to the need for top dressing, which adversely affects younger seedlings.
It is important to monitor soil moisture. It should not dry out, but stagnation of water will lead to the rapid death of vines. The optimal size of new pots for rhodochiton is 8-15 cm in diameter. Young plants need a long daylight, but can overheat in direct sunlight. They are recommended to be placed in slight shading or highlighted with a fluorescent lamp.
Vegetative propagation
From May to August, cuttings can be cut from rhodochiton. He tolerates the pruning procedure well and actively rooted. For planting, use segments of the stem 8-12 cm long with 1-2 internodes. They are immediately placed in a moist, fertile substrate and covered with glass or film until they root. The optimum temperature during this period is + 20 ° C. After 2-3 weeks, the shelter is removed.
A plant grown in this way starts up well and blooms faster. For active development, it is recommended to regularly fertilize the soil with a solution of deciduous humus.
Care Features
Rhodochiton needs constant soil moisture, but without stagnation. As drainage, it is advised to lay gravel, broken brick, sand on the bottom of the pot or pits in the garden. During the entire warm season (from April to August), organic and complex mineral fertilizers are applied to the soil every week or twice a month. Preference should be given to formulations where phosphorus predominates, rather than nitrogen, in order to stimulate flowering without over-distilling the shoots.
Soft stems necessarily need support, along which they actively rush up. If the shoots creep out through the soil, they can be attacked by slugs and other parasites.
The plant does not tolerate frost and cooling below + 10 ° C. So that it does not die from the cold, you need to dig up the roots and bring it into the room. In winter, the vine is kept in a cool room, watering is significantly reduced. But the lighting should remain good. A sunny window sill or artificial lighting for 14 hours is preferred.
Dry air becomes a big problem for foliage, because in the homeland rhodochiton is used to a humid tropical climate. Therefore, a vine is regularly sprayed with water from a spray bottle or air humidifiers are used. In a dry room, the leaves begin to dry at the edges or completely fall off. Dry air can cause mildew. All affected areas should be cut and destroyed.
Occasionally, in a garden, a liana is attacked by aphids and whiteflies, which are disposed of with insecticides.
After 3-4 years of growth, the vines stretch, and their lower stems lose their decorative appearance. To avoid this, it is recommended to rejuvenate the plant.
The use of rhodochiton
Rhodochitons are very delicate and exquisite creepers. They are able to give the flower garden an oriental flavor. Observation of bright bells in contrast with saturated greens relaxes and soothes. At home, the plant looks very magnificent, but in our country it looks like a small, even frail, plant. In the garden, one shoot may be lost, so group plantings are preferred.
Having located close to each other about a dozen rhizomes and creating a beautiful support, you can get dense, abundantly blooming thickets. They are allowed along the wall of the gazebo or on the balcony.
In a temperate climate, the plant does not winter, so it is convenient to grow it in large tubs or flowerpots that are brought into the room for the winter.
For owners of winter gardens, Rhodochiton will be a real discovery. He gratefully responds to the warm and humid climate with a real purple rain of flowers.
Single plants are suitable for cultivation in ordinary houses and apartments. It can be planted in hanging flower pots and allowed to trail through window frames or kitchen cabinets. On a well-glazed balcony, the liana is able to entwine most of the surfaces.
