Whale flowers have an advantage when grown in a suitable environment

Other names for whale flower

Because the flower shape of the whale flower looks somewhat like a fish, it has other names such as shark flower and goldfish vine.

Morphological characteristics of whale flower

Whale flower is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant. It is trailing, with relatively slender stems and branches covered with reddish-brown fine hairs. The leaves of the whale flower are dark green, ovate, with pointed tips, and are opposite.

Whale flower blooms as single flowers, axillary, with flower colors mainly orange-red, and the throat of the flower is tender yellow. The appearance of the whale flower's bloom is just like a shark in the sea opening its big mouth.

Growth habits of whale flower

Whale flower prefers a warm, humid, 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 survive the winter safely.

Whale flower requires loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam soil.

In terms of fertilizing, during the growing season of whale flower, apply fertilizer 1-2 times per month, and it is best to apply light fertilizer frequently. Generally, apply more nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer in spring and summer, and more potassium fertilizer in autumn.

During cultivation, pruning and shaping should be done regularly.

Propagation methods of whale flower

Propagation of whale flower includes several methods such as cuttings, division, or seed propagation.