Aeschynanthus speciosus Hook. 1847, commonly called Basket plant, is a perennial, epiphytic growing, tropical vine, native to Malaysia and Indonesia.

Single flowers, which can vary in colours from yellow, orange to red, get a length up to 10 cm. Flowering period: Summer. Branches of the basket plant reach lengths of about 60 cm. The tropical plant is suitable to be cultivated indoors and requires a warm and humid climate and a semi-shade location with a bit of morning sun. During growth season Aeschynanthus speciosus plants should be watered and fertilized regularily, the potting medium should be humid, but not soggy. Nebulisation with non-calcareous water is helpful, but the basket plant is very susceptible to mealybugs. Plants should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the potting medium gets compact. During the flowering period, the basket plant shouldn`t be displaced as it will drop the flowers. Aeschynanthus speciosus doesn`t tolerate temperatures below 16° C and isn`t hardy.

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Image: Basket Plant (Aeschynanthus speciosus)