The Columnea alliance is made up of epiphytic, mainly trailing, plants from Central and South America. It is a large group, with many popular ornamentals.
Many botanists, including Dr. Laurence Skog of the Smithsonian Institution, believe that all of the group should be considered as belonging to the single genus Columnea. Others, including the late Dr. Hans Wiehler of the Gesneriad Research Foundation, assign species to one of five genera -- Columnea, Trichantha, Dalbergaria, Pentadenia and Bucinellina.
The GRW originally followed the Wiehler system. As of February 15, 1999, we have converted to the Skog system, with all species and hybrids assigned to the single genus Columnea. We believe that it is less confusing to most viewers, and certainly easier to administer.
As with most epiphytes, the Columnea group should be planted in a fairly open and well-drained medium. They will tolerate some drought, but best growth and flowering will occur when they are kept evenly moist with moderate regular fertilizer. If grown in a window under room conditions, they will tolerate cool temperatures better than dry heat during the winter. Under cool conditions, it is much better to underwater than to overwater. Some species and related hybrids require cool night temperatures to bloom, although most of the cultivars in the trade prefer a relatively warm environment for best growth and bloom.
It is my experience that many cultivars respond to in-home basket culture with good natural light (an eastern exposure works well) very favorably. Bloom may taper off during the fall and winter, but warmer temperatures and longer days will induce a profusion of bloom in the spring and summer.
