Achimenes (Hot Water Plant)

Related to gloxinias and African violets, Achimenes (Hot Water Plant) are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with scaly rhizomes producing trailing stems clothed with attractive, fuzzy leaves in shades of bright or dark green, sometimes with bronze or burgundy undertones. They are excellent ornamental plants for their foliage alone. From late spring to fall, splendid trumpet-shaped flowers, 1-3 in. wide (2-7 cm), are borne in the leaf axils. Resembling petunias, they are available in a wide array of colors including white, scarlet, salmon, pink, blue, lavender, purple and even yellow. Achimenes are dormant in winter. Used primarily as flowering houseplants, Achimenes can also be used as flowering plants for mixed containers and in hanging baskets where they look spectacular cascading over the side of the basket. Fairly easy to grow, Achimenes will reward you with months of pleasure.

• Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 3-6 in. wide (7-15 cm).
• Requires a spot with bright light but not direct sunlight. Performs best in light, well-drained, humus-rich potting soil (an African Violet mix is ideal).
• Should be kept in cool room temperature: 60-70°F (10-21°C) at night; 70-75°F (21-24°C) during the day.
• Water as often as necessary to keep the potting mixture moist. Fertilize weekly during the growing season. Reduce watering when the flowers fade in fall.
• Achimenes is perennial in hardiness zones 10-11, but treated as an annual in cooler areas or as a houseplant.
• Usually disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and thrips.
• Propagate by division of rhizomes in spring or stem tip cuttings in spring (see softwood cuttings).
• The genus is native from Central and South America.