Growing Aeschynanthus

Combine two parts sphagnum peat moss and one part coarse sand in a bucket until it is thoroughly blended.

Use a pot that has at least one hole in the bottom for drainage. Epiphyte plants are extremely susceptible to root rot in perpetually wet conditions. Use a pot the same size as, or 1 inch wider than, the nursery pot.

Spread a layer of the soilless mix in the bottom of the container and then set the Aeschynanthus plant in the pot. Hold it upright with the base of the stem level with the lip of the pot and fill in around the roots with the soilless mix.

Put the pot in the sink and soak it with water until the mix is completely damp. Leave it in the sink to drain.

Keep Aeschynanthus plants in a room or greenhouse where the temperature doesn't drop below 60 degrees F. Put the potted Aeschynanthus in an area that gets bright filtered light away from direct sunlight.

Feet Aeschynanthus plants once a month using a balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula. Stop fertilizing in late fall and resume in early spring.

Water Aeschynanthus whenever the top of the soil starts to dry out. Soak the whole pot each time and leave it to drain in the sink before returning it to its location.

Prune Aeschynanthus after it flowers in late summer. Cut back each stem to a length of 6 inches using a sharp pair of shears.