Gesneriad Trails

I recently mentioned the vibrant winter displays offered by the genus Smithiantha . Another plant in our collection has now joined the show, brightening these dark days: Smithiantha ‘RF’s Catalina’. I’ve been growing this plant for a couple of years, and this year it’s putting on a truly spectacular display. Smithiantha 'RF's Catalina' The blooming spikes on this particular plant are not as upright and erect as those of other Smithiantha I’ve grown. This may be partly due to the stems growing tall and pressing against the lights on the stand. I recently moved it to a taller light shelf, but even then, it was crowded among other plants. To better appreciate its beauty, I decided to bring Smithiantha ‘RF’s Catalina’ upstairs to our living room table, where it can be fully enjoyed. I sometimes lament that so many of our blooming plants remain downstairs under the lights, out of sight and unable to be fully appreciated. Smithiantha 'RF's Catalina' The plant’s ...

Corytoplectus cutucuensis is a stunningly ornamental species native to Ecuador, where it thrives in the humid understory of Andean cloud forests. The species takes its tongue-twisting name from the Cutucú Mountains, reflecting its origins. Though beautiful, it presents unique challenges for indoor gardeners. I acquired a cutting of Corytoplectus cutucuensis in July 2023 and rooted it in my preferred growing mix of equal parts sphagnum peat moss, coarse perlite, and coarse vermiculite. Under the humidity of a covered propagation tray, the cutting rooted quickly and began producing side branches. Once established, the plant was moved to my light stand, where it continued to grow. However, the foliage frequently browned and dropped easily, leading me to suspect that the light intensity was too high and the humidity too low. Corytoplectus cutucuensis  - Beautiful foliage This species thrives in very low light. A correspondent who observed the plant in its native habitat described the...

The genus Smithiantha is native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Mexico and Central America. These plants thrive in shaded or semi-shaded environments, often growing on rocky slopes or as understory plants where they receive dappled sunlight and consistent humidity. In cultivation, they are highly valued for their colorful foliage and brightly colored flowers, which are held above the leaves on tall, elegant stems. Smithiantha 'Sunset' The plant’s striking appearance, with tall stems of vibrant foliage topped by arching sprays of bright flowers, has earned Smithiantha its common name, “Temple Bells.” I acquired rhizomes of Smithiantha ‘Sunset’ at the 2023 Gesneriad Society Convention in Richmond, VA. While the plants showed little growth in their first year, this winter they are making up for it with a spectacular display of vibrant flowers and lush foliage—perfectly timed for the holiday season. The dark red and green leaves provide a striking backdrop to the or...

Cobanathus calochlamys has long been one of my favorite plants. Endemic to Central America, specifically Guatemala and possibly nearby regions, this species thrives in tropical and subtropical forests, where it flourishes in humid, shaded conditions. Cobanathus calochlamys Back when we had our greenhouse, I kept a large stock plant of Cobanathus calochlamys. Whether due to regular pruning or perhaps because of it, the plant grew vigorously and was a prolific bloomer. Its vibrant orange calyces were long-lasting, creating a spectacular display against the fuzzy, silver-toned foliage. The yellow corolla tubes, tipped with purple, added even more color and charm to the plant’s striking appearance. In August 2023, I obtained seeds from The Gesneriad Society Seed Fund and eagerly sowed them. The seedlings grew quickly, though I couldn’t help but feel impatient waiting for them to bloom. Cobanathus calochlamys A few months ago, the plant began producing its signature orange calyces, which a...