How to Grow the Whale Flower? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions
The whale flower (Columnea) - just hearing this name may mislead many flower enthusiasts. In fact, anyone who has seen a whale flower is easily drawn in by the unique shape of its blooms. Its flowers look like whales freely soaring through the ocean, though they lack the whale's fearsome appearance and instead offer more of the flower's beauty. So what methods and precautions are involved in cultivating such a unique flowering plant? Follow along as we take a look.
How to Grow the Whale Flower
1. Soil
A loose, water-permeable, breathable substrate is best, such as peat moss + perlite, wood shavings, or sphagnum moss, used alone or in a mix of several. The substrate should ideally be slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2.
2. Propagation
It can be propagated by cuttings, either tip cuttings or stem-section cuttings. Spring and autumn are the suitable periods. For cuttings, the cutting material can have a single node or multiple nodes. Insert cuttings into peat moss + perlite, wood shavings, or sphagnum moss, maintain humidity at 40% to 60%, and roots will form in about 20 to 30 days.
To keep the plant's shape graceful, with evenly distributed branches and abundant blooming, it is best to re-propagate by cuttings every year to renew growth.
3. Fertilizer and Water
It is a fertilizer-loving flower. Give appropriate liquid fertilizer regularly; depending on plant size and variety differences, the EC value is 1.0 to 1.5. During the growing period, supply enough water, but avoid watering with cold water. Keep the potting soil moist and raise air humidity. During extreme heat or cold, reduce water supply; slightly drier substrate is actually beneficial.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Common problems include leaf spot, gray mold, soft rot, and scale insects. Among these, leaf spot is more common.
Whale Flower Cultivation Methods and Precautions
I. Cultivation Methods for the Whale Flower
1. Soil
The whale flower likes well-drained, breathable soil, so it requires loose, fertile, well-drained soil. You can use a mix of leaf mold, wood shavings, and perlite, adding some fine sand to increase breathability.
2. Watering
The whale flower likes a moist environment. During the growing period, give plenty of water to keep the potting soil moist, and at the same time increase the surrounding air humidity by misting. During high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter, reduce water supply and keep the potting soil dry, which is more beneficial for the whale flower's growth.
3. Fertilizing
The whale flower is a fertilizer-loving plant and should be given liquid fertilizer regularly. During the growing season, fertilize once every 15-20 days, preferably with light, frequent applications. The whale flower generally receives more nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer in spring and summer, and more potassium fertilizer in autumn. When flower buds are growing, apply 1-2 times a liquid fertilizer mainly based on phosphorus.
4. Temperature
The whale flower likes a warm, moist, and semi-shaded environment. The suitable growing temperature is between 18-22°C, the overwintering temperature should be above 10°C, and the daytime temperature in winter must be kept above 15°C.
5. Light
The whale flower likes bright, indirect light. A well-lit eaves area or windowsill are both suitable places for cultivation. Normally, the whale flower can be exposed to more sunlight, but in summer take care, as the whale flower dislikes direct strong light.
II. Cultivation Precautions
1. During cultivation of the whale flower, prune and trim the branches regularly.
2. When the whale flower is blooming, stop fertilizing; the soil should preferably be on the drier side, and watering can be reduced.
Is the Whale Flower Toxic?
The whale flower is not toxic. Not only is it non-toxic, it also has good medicinal value; the whole plant can be used as medicine. It can clear heat and relieve cough; invigorate blood and disperse stasis; and remove toxicity and reduce swelling. It is mainly used for fever in children; lung-heat cough; lymphatic tuberculosis; rheumatic pain; fractures; otitis media; and venomous snake bites. The usual dosage is 1-2 qian. For external use, an appropriate amount of the fresh plant is pounded to extract juice and dropped into the ear.
Introduction to the Whale Flower
1. Other Names
Because the whale flower's flower shape somewhat resembles a fish, it is also known by other names such as shark flower and goldfish vine.
2. Morphological Characteristics
The whale flower is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant. It is trailing, with relatively slender stems covered in reddish-brown fine hairs. The whale flower's leaves are dark green, ovate, with pointed tips, and opposite leaves.
The whale flower blooms as single flowers, axillary, with flower colors mainly orange-red, and the throat of the flower is pale yellow. The shape of the whale flower's bloom is like a shark in the sea opening its big mouth.
3. Growth Habits
The whale flower likes a warm, moist, and semi-shaded environment. The suitable temperature is about 18-22°C, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 10°C for it to safely overwinter.
The whale flower requires loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam. In terms of fertilizing, during the whale flower's growing season, fertilize 1-2 times per month, preferably with light, frequent applications. Generally, more nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer in spring and summer, and more potassium fertilizer in autumn. During cultivation, prune and trim the branches regularly.
4. Propagation Methods
The whale flower can be propagated by several methods: cuttings, division, or seed sowing.
The whale flower is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Columnea in the family Gesneriaceae, with many propagation methods. Its general ecological form is epiphytic and hanging. So flower enthusiasts who like it can grow it at home as a hanging plant for suspended ornamental display.