Spicata Kohleria
kohleria spicata
Also known as: ["Spicata Gloxinia"]
Overview
A tropical perennial plant with striking tubular flowers and velvety foliage, native to Central and South America.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","fragrant flowers","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus: | Kohleria |
| Botanical Name: | Kohleria spicata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a warm, humid environment
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix of cactus soil, perlite, and a small amount of organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months during active growth; lightly prune after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning during dormancy.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to morning sun in winter and dappled light in summer to prevent leaf burn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light to avoid scorching; place in a spot with filtered sunlight; move indoors during intense summer heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes, avoid compacted soil, refresh soil every 2 years.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); cooler temperatures (60–65°F) in winter promote dormancy and blooming.
Avoid drafts, maintain stable temps, use a thermometer to monitor conditions.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring to summer), none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with leaf nodes; can also propagate from rhizomes or offsets.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a cutting with 3–4 nodes, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also use sphagnum moss.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips, cut just above a leaf node, remove spent flowers and yellow leaves.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth to encourage bushier form; prune after flowering to maintain shape and vigor.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune selectively, remove dead/damaged growth, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wet foliage
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation; water until it drains freely from the pot; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (too cold), wilting or leaf drop (too hot), stunted growth (extremes).
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf yellowing, and may lead to root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot, ensure good drainage, and reduce watering in cooler conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, flush periodically
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Kohleria spicata may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's compounds can cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Kohleria spicata by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's irritant compounds. The effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicKohleria spicata contains irritant compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant's sap may also cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Kohleria spicata?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Kohleria spicata require direct sunlight?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Kohleria spicata turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies; adjust watering and check soil conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Gesneriaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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