Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Bolero Bicolour’

A Variegated Form of Aeschynanthus radicans

Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Bolero Bicolour’ is a cultivated variegated selection. The species is native from southern Myanmar through Thailand to western and central Malesia.

Wild Aeschynanthus radicans grows on tree trunks, branches and rocks in humid forest. Its roots occupy airy organic material above the ground, and its stems extend into filtered light.

Growing a trailing epiphyte indoors

• Light: Bright filtered light supports balanced growth contrast. Direct hot sun can scorch the pale margins.
• Water: Water after the surface begins to dry, then empty excess water from the outer pot.
• Humidity and airflow: Moderate humidity reduces dry edges. Air movement helps water evaporate from the paired leaves.
• Temperature: Protect it from chilling temperatures and protect pale growth from cold glass.
• Feeding: Apply diluted balanced fertiliser during active growth; strong doses can burn pale margins.

When Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Bolero Bicolour’ needs attention

• Dry brown edges: Direct sun, fertiliser salts, repeated drying or rubbing can damage the cream tissue. Use the position of the damage to choose the response: filter harsh light on an exposed face, rewet a dry root ball evenly, or flush only when salts are visible.
• Predominantly green new leaves: Confirm if the whole shoot is reverting. Remove shoots that remain entirely green; light does not change the plant’s underlying variegation.
• Soft yellow leaves: Inspect the roots for excess moisture and poor drainage.
• Long spaces between pairs: Light is too weak for compact growth. Move the plant gradually into stronger filtered light and judge the correction from the spacing of later leaf pairs.
• Pests: Mealybugs, aphids and mites can hide at nodes and beneath the variegated leaves. Isolate the plant, rinse or wipe away visible insects, then treat the affected stems and leaf undersides with a product labelled for ornamental plants. Repeat as directed on the label and keep checking new growth.

Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Bolero Bicolour’ is non-toxic to people and pets

• This plant is non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
• Chewing a large amount can still cause an upset stomach.
• If a large amount is eaten and symptoms continue, contact a veterinarian or medical professional.

When was Aeschynanthus radicans first published, and what does it mean?

Aeschynanthus combines the Greek aischyne, meaning shame or embarrassment, with anthos, flower. The epithet radicans means rooting or producing roots and refers to stems that can root at their nodes.

William Jack established the genus Aeschynanthus in 1823 in Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, volume 14, page 42.

William Jack first described Aeschynanthus radicans in 1823 in Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, volume 14, page 43.