Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Caroline’

Origin of Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Caroline’

‘Caroline’ is grown as a green-leaved cultivar of Aeschynanthus radicans. The underlying species occurs naturally from southern Myanmar to western and central Malesia and is associated with the wet tropical biome.

Wild plants can grow epiphytically on trees or lithophytically on rocks, using exposed rooting sites above the forest floor.

Keeping ‘Caroline’ Dense Along the Stem

• Use leaf spacing to judge the light: Keep the plant near a bright window so new leaf pairs remain relatively close. Protect the foliage from prolonged hot midday sun through glass.
• Water the whole pot, then drain it: Once the upper layer has begun to dry, wet the root ball thoroughly. Let excess water leave before returning the nursery pot to a decorative cover.
• Refresh a slow, dense mix: A bark-rich substrate keeps air around the roots. Repot when the material becomes compacted, sour-smelling or unusually slow to dry.
• Shape the plant after flowering: If a few stems outgrow the rest, shorten them above healthy nodes after the bloom cycle. Feed lightly while fresh shoots and buds are developing and keep the plant away from cold draughts.

Using New Growth to Diagnose ‘Caroline’

• Fresh stems stretch with wider gaps between leaves: Compare the gaps between new leaf pairs with the compact older sections. If the change is progressive, increase the light gradually. Compare the new position with the examples in the bright indirect light guide.
• Buds detach before they open: Keep the plant evenly supplied with water during bud development and avoid relocating it repeatedly once buds are visible. Review recent dry spells before adding more fertiliser.
• Lower foliage yellows while the root ball remains wet: Give the mix more drying time and check whether it still contains enough coarse structure. If more lower leaves deteriorate after the moisture cycle is corrected, unpot the plant and cut away any brown mushy roots; use the root rot guide when decay is present.
• Aphids or mealybugs appear on fresh tips: Move the plant away from neighbours and identify which pest is present. Rinse aphids from soft shoots or wipe off cottony mealybugs, then recheck the same tips several days later. If the pest persists, use a houseplant treatment labelled for that pest and follow the directions.

Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Caroline’ 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.

About the name Aeschynanthus radicans

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.