A Guide to the Genus Achimenes: Cultivating Magic Flowers
The genus Achimenes is a prominent member of the Gesneriaceae family. This group comprises tender, low growing perennial herbs native to Central and South America. Popularly known as Magic Flowers or Cupids Bowers, these plants are highly prized by horticulturists for their prolific summer display of showy, tubular flowers that emerge at the tips of the shoots. Because of their sprawling growth habit, they are an exceptional choice for hanging baskets and containers where their vibrant blooms can cascade gracefully.
Cultural Requirements
Successful cultivation of Achimenes relies on replicating their native tropical environment. They thrive in partial shade because direct, intense sunlight will scorch their fleshy leaves. Consistent moisture is critical during the active growing season. The potting medium should remain damp but well drained to prevent the underground rhizomes from rotting.
Maintaining high humidity is especially vital leading up to the flowering period to encourage robust bud development. Growers should fertilise the plants regularly with a balanced, water soluble fertiliser throughout spring and summer. However, vigilance is required as Achimenes are highly susceptible to sap sucking pests, specifically thrips and red spider mites. Once the autumn flowering season concludes, you should gradually reduce watering. This allows the foliage to die back naturally as the plant enters winter dormancy. Propagation is easily achieved by dividing these rhizomes during the dormant phase.
Notable Cultivars
The genus offers several distinct visual forms. Achimenes candida is a charming species characterised by its striking reddish stems, serrated deep green leaves, and unique flowers featuring white and yellow petals accented by a purple spotted throat. For a more dramatic cascading effect, Achimenes hybrida cultivars are widely grown. These hybrids feature slender stems that creep horizontally before bending upward, producing a dense canopy of flowers from summer through autumn in a wide array of vibrant colours.