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galileo_gw

Nematanthus won't flower

galileo
20 years ago

I've searched this forum and even went to the Gesneriad Society's website but didn't find what I'm looking for. Please help!

I bought an orange-flowering Nematanthus last fall in lovely bloom at a reliable greenhouse. I put it in a sunny south facing window at home and it stopped blooming. I brought it to my office where it's practically in a greenhouse because it's in brilliant sunlight (when there is any in cold, cloudy New England). It's just barely starting to show tiny buds but on very few stems.

What am I doing wrong--I water it nearly every day because it seems to dry out quickly. I fertilize it rarely because I don't know if it should get plain old Miracle-Gro or their Bloom Booster product. Anyone got any advice?

Thanks in advance.

Comments (31)

  • komi
    20 years ago

    I have a Nematanthus wettsteinii in my office window - faces SE, lots of sun. It definitely slowed down during the winter when the temps got cool by the glass. It blooms on the newer growths, so it has the most bloom potential in the summer when it is growing faster. I think I went for a couple of months with no flowers, and it started blooming a little a few weeks ago. It may be that yours is just on winter vacation as well.

    Daily watering seems a little too frequent, especially as I think these can dry a little between waterings. Is it underpotted? If so, you might pot up a size when spring comes around. Also, you could prune it to give it a bushier shape - more branching out, more new growths, more potential blooms. I wouldn't fuss with it much until it starts its spring growth.

    During the growing season, I fertilize mine with dilute 20-20-20 and the occasional bloom booster. During the winter, I may have fertilized once. Don't know if this is the recommended feeding schedule - it just happens to get fed when the orchids do.

    HTH.

    Here is a link that might be useful: a Nematanthus wettsteinii

  • james_ny
    20 years ago

    I have a 'black gold' in a 8" basket and I don't think its bloomed since early winter. They may need longer daylite period or much rest between blooms. They have succulant type leaves so everyday watering is probably too often.

  • galileo
    Original Author
    20 years ago

    Yes, mine's a 'black gold'. Glad to know it's just resting up and waiting for summer. Fussy, isn't it? Maybe I'll have a chance to ask the gesneriad folks at the New England Spring Flower Show this Sunday.

    Komi and James, thank you very much for replying!

  • greenelbows
    19 years ago

    They're not really awfully fussy, tho' I guess some bloom easier than others. Mine was outside all winter under a frost blanket and got absolutely no care at all except for rain, which wasn't all that consistent. Since I've hauled it out and hung it up it's bloomed when it rained or when I actually remembered to water it, and stopped blooming when it got too dry too long (I need to re-pot it as the coir lining of the basket it's in has lost its bottom so there's kind of a hole going well up into the potting mix, which washes out more every time it gets watered. Does that sound fussy?) Wish I remembered its name but the squirrels got the tag. I know they're not all that tough, but I really marvel at how good it looks in spite of my poor care. It's pretty without flowers with its shiny green foliage, and it's a nice full pot.

  • mkjones
    19 years ago

    Hmmm....I'm frustrated w/my nematanthus too...won't flower. BUT, I'm wondering if I've sabotaged myself with the pot size? After reading above, I'm suspicious that my plant (bought last summer in a 4in pot) is severely underpotted in the 3" wide x 4 " deep pot it's in??

    A bit sheepish & pink-faced, but wanting confirmation!
    =) Kathleen in TX

  • haneedes
    18 years ago

    i've had mine for 1 year and it has produced a total of 4 flowers. very frustrating.

    i recently just trimmed it down and am hoping to get it to bloom. i started feeding it with a 20-20-20 fertilizer. is it a spring bloomer? what is the normal bloom season?

  • jon_d
    18 years ago

    As a general rule, nematanthus bloom all year long, but any given plant will go through periods of bloom and periods when the plant is not blooming, but not exactly dormant either. When a plant doesn't flower it indicates one of two things--either it isn't getting something it needs to flower or it is building itself up to flower later on. So, I recommend patience and good observation of your plant.

    To flower they like good humidity, feedling, even watering, good light and to be pest free. "Even watering" is an illdefined way of saying that it wants neither to be left to dry out to the point of wilt or be kept so wet that its roots rot. It is an epiphyte and needs an airy soil. Up in those trees it must go through dry periods all the time but not such that the soil gets so dry that the roots die. Generally speaking I usually find that what people fail to do is fertilize and grow in good light. For most people, summer is a good flowering period but here in the dry summer climate of California I have noticed that my plants slow down in summer and begin to flower again in fall as the temperatures moderate and we get some humidity. 28 miles north of me in San Francisco or ten miles west of me on the coast, the summers are cool and humid--perfect for blooming nematanthus.

    At this time of year, one group seem to be flowering especially well--the big flowered big coarse growing species and hybrids--fluminensis, crassifolia, and lots of hybrids including ones I did that have long wirey pedicels and 2" long flowers in yellow or mottled red.

    At the AGGS convention last summer there was a gigantic and perfect N. 'Tropicana', in full flower, grown by a new convention goer from Buffalo NY. It won a trophy in the show and then was donated by the owner for the auction. My friend Michael bid high and won the plant, and, took it home in the little rental car he had gotten for the week, a PT crtuiser. Unfortunately he also had three or four passengers and all their suitcases to take back to Manhattan. It was like the clowns in the circus. I think I later learned it was Ingrid who got to hold the gigantic plant on her lap the whole way back.

    So, nematanthus can be grown and flowered in Buffalo, so it should flower for anyone. Right now I have some plants that have been hanging in a Bay tree all winter long. The plants that have been getting sun are full of flowers and buds, while those that are more shaded are not flowering.

    Jon

    PS: I missed this entire thread last year so am happy that it was ressurected.

  • Ellery9
    18 years ago

    So glad to hear someone else has this problem! I had a gold fish plant that I bought at K-Mart, of all places, last spring, and it bloomed faithfully all summer, and the hummers loved it, and at the end of the summer due to neglect it was long and stringy and I tossed it. At the same time, I had bought a Black Gold from Logee's, and it grew very slowly, and did not bloom - I kept it under lights at work all winter, low humidity, but it is large and shiny and gorgeous now outside with no blooms. I have left it on a plant stand in part shade open to the elements, and eventually will hang it up - bought another at a fancy greenhouse two months ago in full bloom - large flat pointed leaves and large rather ugly flowers that are striped brown and reddish - it has stopped blooming, and fell over twice, but is still healthy - now that I have my salvias and monarda ready for the hummers, I am ready to get my tropicals which they love in bloom - is it simply that the spring has been so cold and unpredictable? Will the recent influx of hot weather help? Do I feed and succor them? Full sun?

  • jon_d
    18 years ago

    They like bright light, to be evenly moist, and to be fed. Then all it takes is patience to wait for them to respond. They will. Here, our summers have no rain, so humidity is low, and they seem to go out of bloom. On my outdoor nematanthus, I get more flowers in spring, winter and fall. But, I am trying to keep my plants watered more consistantly, which seems to help. But, patience is most important. Nematanthus can live for many years, even without repotting. If they get leggy, they respond well to a good haircut. Cuttings root easily in soil or in water. My outdoor plants will flower even in mild winters that dip down into the mid 30's at night. Below 32, they will show damage however.

    Jon

  • kristin_williams
    16 years ago

    I was searching the internet for info on Nematanthus and found this thread. I don't know if anyone has anything to say about this that hasn't already been said, but here's my situation.

    This spring, I bought a couple Nematanthus at Lowe's, in 4" pots, thinking it might be a good hummingbird plant. Neither one was flowering, but the picture of the flowers on the tag looked enticing. They sat in their small pots for awhile this spring, then I transplanted both of them into a pot that's about 15" in diameter. They're outside, in part sun and dappled shade. I think the sun was a little bright for them at first, and some of the leaves got sunburned initially, but the foliage seems now to be doing fairly well. There are many new growth points all over the plants, but NO FLOWERS!! Humidity is pretty high here in the east, so that shouldn't be a problem. I could put it in full sun, but judging by its earlier reaction, I'm not sure it would like that much light. I've fertilized with Bloom Booster a couple times, but to no avail. I have kept the soil moisture average, watering when it seemed a bit dry, but after reading here, am thinking perhaps I might keep them a bit drier than they've been.

    Should I just be patient and assume that they will flower some time this summer? Any advice?

  • greenelbows1
    16 years ago

    They're excellent hummingbird plants. I think going from 4" pots to a 15" pot, even tho' it's two plants, has put them into 'grow' mode. Once they've filled out better they'll start to bloom probably. Some varieties bloom better or more often than others. Don't of course over-water, but you probably don't need to cut back either. Just a little patience and they'll be gorgeous.

  • kristin_williams
    16 years ago

    Thank you, Greenelbows. I was afraid no one would respond to this, so I haven't logged on to this forum for awhile. It was a pleasant surprise to see your response. You're probably right. They do seem to be in "grow" mode, putting out lots of foliage and getting larger and larger. They're both much bigger than they were when they were in those little pots. Still, no sign of flower buds, but they look quite healthy.

    I guess I'll just carry on, doing what I've been doing, and try to be patient. The hummingbirds will be gone by mid September, though, so I hope they will manage to bloom before then. Otherwise, I'll bring them indoors for the winter, and maybe they'll flower next year to greet the returning hummingbirds.

  • patrick02540
    11 years ago

    I got mine two years ago December at the nursery- one of those 40% off specials which I love to acquire in fall/winter from the local nursery. When I bought it, it was in full bloom. It kept blooming through January and then went into a period of dormancy until mid-March. At that point, it began growing lush shoots. By end April, blooming commenced an lasted through June. Then it stopped blooming, and growth slowed down. Picked up again end September, and by November I had blooms again. It's continued this cycle. Right now, it is just leaving a dormant cycle, starting vigorous growth which will lead to blooms soon. From October through now, it is under grow lights. Just this week, I moved it to an east window. 20-20-20 fertilizer all year, every three weeks is what I do, and seems to respond well. But if you don't have grow lights, you may want to cut back on fertilizer in the fall and winter. Bottom line, I think you can sort of condition plants and get them used to growth bloom periods based on where you put them, water them, fertilize them. (I do let mine dry out almost to the point of wilting (3 week cycle). Then give it a good flushing for a few minutes, let it sit for 10 minutes, then about 2 cups of water with dilute fertilizer.)

  • kayjones
    10 years ago

    I three different ones - they don't bloom for me until I hang them outdoors in a tree.

  • gregsytch
    10 years ago

    To bloom indoors, allow them to dry out them water in well. Being epiphytic they detest wet feet. If they dry out properly, feed 15-30-15 or similarall year, in bright light (less bright light in summer). In winter a bright window helps. I grow in my yard here in Tampa Bay, and they take upper 20'sf on occasion. They bloom best for me "other than summer" when it rains constantly. Since I more resemble their natural habitat, that should tell you that tight feet helps. I also add 0-12-0 bone meal for long term phosphorus feeding. Some are seasonal in nature.

  • stanofh 10a Hayward,Ca S.F. bay area
    7 years ago

    Sometimes you didn't do anything wrong...you got a bad clone. My first Nematanthus many years ago bloomed all year. The 1990 freeze killed it. My second is about 10+ years old now..rarely blooms and when it does, nothing but scattered.

    If do see one in heavy bloom with the near black leafs? This one goes to the compost bin.

  • irina_co
    7 years ago

    Stan -

    what's wrong with the one you are going to compost?

    You are correct - some varieties are more floriferous than others and species often are seasonal bloomers and often shy bloomers.. By the way - Nematanthus "Tropicana' with good size large almost black leaves and stripey flowers is a good bloomer. If you get an old hybrid 'Christmas Holly' - it is very attractive out of bloom - plus it is a practically a year around bloomer - good light and fertilizer providedl

  • stanofh 10a Hayward,Ca S.F. bay area
    7 years ago

    It rarely blooms.My first..always was in bloom. This one I notice when it does has a "Goldfish" with fine striping on it. The other was all Goldfish.

    When I bought it it was not in bloom..but no problem I thought,hang it where the other had been very happy. Nada. A bust for a long time. Its actually been a long time since I've seen one for sale in bloom. I do see lots of them all green.

    Growers must have just flooded the market with "Any rooted Nematanthus is good enough"

    I'm tempted to mail order quality plants (I hope)..but they are so small,and for a good price,I might just wait.


    You used to see the whole variety of Lipsticks,Goldfish,Guppy,and all the rest at even Home Depot. Not anymore.

  • irina_co
    7 years ago

    Goldfish is a generic name for Nematanthus - and it doesn't say anything about variety. The ones that have a stripe on the leaves - 'Dibley's Gold' or Nematanthus gregarius 'Golden West' - they are partially variegated and are normally grown for foliage, they do not bloom that often - they do not produce that much energy that is necessary for bloom. I would say - hybrid varieties with medium green and dark green leaves are a better choice for bloom. A regular Nematanthus gregarius or Nematanthus wettsteinii are quite floriferous.

    The large leaf Nematanthus - braziliensis, crassifolius, corticola - make a large specimen plants - if you have space for them, they have large flowers and make a statement - they bloom when mature. I love Nematanthus albus - it is interesting out of bloom, and has large off white flowers - but the bloomig is seasonal.

    As it was mentioned in a previous discussion - good bright light - and regular fertilization are critical for bloom.

    Right now there are 4 Nematanthus plants for sale on ebay. "Tropicana' is a good choice and it is inexpensive. It grows fast - you can cut tips and stick them back in a soil, until you have a full enough plant. Then you can let it grow as it wants and it will bloom for you. Barely moist lose soil is good.

    Good nurseries carry specimen plants in bloom and in buds - but I think it is more interesting to grow it from scratch yourself.

    I am a snob - so I do not bring in my house plants that are named Goldfish, Flying Dolphins, Lipstick, Guppy... whatever fish and fowl .. They are Nematanthus, Columnea, Aeschynanthus - and they should have either a species name or a hybrid name. You can track what they should look like and what care they prefer. I can often see very well grown Gesneriads in Home Depot coming from a company "Exotic Angel". They are priced well - but the names... the mislabeling is atrocious. They will mix the genera to such extent - it is not even funny. Otherwise - they have very good plants.

    There is a site you can look at the nice photos - and select what you would like to try growing. If you know what you want - you can find a lot of good stuff on internet. If you look for guppy plant - you will catch some tadpoles.

    http://gesneriads.ca/genemcod.htm

    Violet Barn carries good stuff: https://www.violetbarn.com/cart/nematanthus.html

    N. 'Linda Joe' is lovely - it is on the second page. Floriferous too.

    Lyndon Lyon has similar selection.

    http://lyndonlyon.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9_18

    Have fun

    Irina, the snob


  • stanofh 10a Hayward,Ca S.F. bay area
    7 years ago

    nah,that's not snobby. I usually use the latin names ,but with these,I never did know exactly what Nematanthus they are. Hence,the store label of "Goldfish".

    Thanks for the list- I've bookmarked it. Columnea...I remember when those were sold many years ago. Never now at any local nursery. Imagine that in the San Francisco bay area having to use ebay.

    Thank Irina....and will check out ebay.

  • irina_co
    7 years ago

    I cannot believe that Bay area is so bare. What happened to San Francisco Gesneriad Society? As far as I know they have a Show and Sale on Aug. 27, they have some best in the country growers - and Jon Dixon - has an extensive collection of all kind of Nematanthus - both hybrids and species, plus he hybridizes them.

    http://www.sfgesneriads.org/

    Irina



  • stanofh 10a Hayward,Ca S.F. bay area
    7 years ago

    That's a good day. My birthday. A reason to make the (ugh) drive through traffic to S.F.

    I'm in the eastbay..and all the local specialist societies are either 20+ miles through heavy traffic to SF,OR 20 + miles through heavy traffic to San Jose.

    I really miss when they had meetings at the Lake Merritt in Oakland hall.


    I saw a few small Nematanthus called "candy corn"..eh,green leafed,no blooms. Should I return?

    thanks

    Stan.

  • irina_co
    7 years ago

    Happy Birthday to you, Stan! All the best wishes! You need to buy yourself a plant!

    They meet on 3rd Sunday at the Golden Gate Park. The problem - it is not close to BART. But at least try to make it there on August 27 to see a Show and get some goodies from a sale. Find Jon Dixon - and ask all the questions. He used to hang here on Gardenweb long time ago under the nik Jon_D.

    Did you make it to the Gesneriad Convention in Oakland last summer?

    I looked it up - and it doesn't seem that Candy Corn is a legit name. It seems to be a generic name for the Nematanthus wettstenii. But depending on where you are getting it - it can be any other species and variety. Mislabeling is pretty common in retail.

    I wouldn't drive across the bay just to pick it up.

    I.




  • stanofh 10a Hayward,Ca S.F. bay area
    7 years ago

    They have one on Oakland? Do you know about this year?..That's an easy trip for me. I'm tired of the plain jane plants at box stores.

  • irina_co
    7 years ago

    Sorry - Oakland Convention was in July of 2015. This year is - Wilmington DE... I still need to buy the tickets... so - you better plan to drive across by the Oakland Bay Bridge on Aug. 27, closer than Delaware - but in Delaware they predict gesneriad sales like a dream - all East Coast growers will contribute. Rarest plants for grabs... I am already drooling.

    And 2017 - it is Omaha Nebraska.

    I.



  • stanofh 10a Hayward,Ca S.F. bay area
    7 years ago

    Great plants..but shipping is 3x the cost of the plants!

  • irina_co
    7 years ago

    If you are thinking going to Delaware to pick them up personally....definitely you need to think about other things you will enjoy besides buying Nematanthus...

    But I still think - going to Golden Gate Park on Aug. 27 - is a must. For a true gesneriad lover - it is a treat. And for the plant collector... Bring a Big Box!

  • irina_co
    7 years ago

    The San Francisco Gesneriad Society will be joining several other vendors and plant societies at a one-day plant sale event in the Auditorium of the San Francisco County Fair Building, in Golden Gate Park.

    Please notice that the San Francisco Gesneriad Society is pariticpating only in the one-day event on Saturday, June 11. The sale will be open from 9 am to 4 pm. Come join us to see and buy many different kinds of plants at this unique event!

  • gregtaylor1131
    6 years ago

    I agree with Irina's comment about Exotic Angel's plant labels. I picked up a Hoya Lacunosa and the tag literally read " I go by the name House Plant, give me medium light." Lol what a joke.

    I bought Nematanthus Corticola because the long tendril-like blooms look a lot like Nepenthes which I used to grow in high school. Literally did nothing. I repotted it when I received it in its 2.5" pot into a 4" pot and it grew one small, bright green leaf during the summer here in NC then when I brought it inside for the winter with my orchids it sulked. The most stubborn thing I've ever seen so I threw it outside in my garden and just bought another one. I'm hoping it was just a bad clone/cutting. The same thing happened to my AF 'Cirelda' years ago.

    This time around I think I'll skip the perlite in place of sphagnum moss mixed with vermiculite and a standard soiless mix. Being epiphytic, I mixed the aforementioned Nematanthus with small fir bark chips and potting soil. Maybe the wood was eating up all the N before I gave it a chance to be released back in the soil.

  • Rosie1949
    6 years ago

    Interesting conversation,,,,I have an Aeschyanthus-Mona Lisa. She is lovely in her leafiness! I don't see flowers but I think, after reading this thread, she may be in "root grow mode". She was just rooted over the winter, so I will cut her some slack. AND I am putting her outside on the porch. She will grow very nicely out there. AND eventually bloom I dare predict! (at least I hope so or it is back to the drawing board!) lol Rosie

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