Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’

Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’ and the origin of ‘Twister’

‘Rasta’ is the parent cultivar from which ‘Twister’ arose. In May 2003, a naturally occurring branch mutation was found on cultivated ‘Rasta’ plants in Sleeuwijk, the Netherlands. The mutation was propagated from cuttings and developed as the cultivar ‘Twister’.

Care for Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’

• Use new leaf spacing as a light cue: Keep the plant close to a bright window and soften prolonged hot midday sun. Looser new growth can be a sign that the position has become too dim.
• Keep growth warm and lightly fed: Keep temperatures around 18–26 °C. Move it to a warmer position if temperatures stay below 12 °C. Use a half-strength general liquid feed about monthly while fresh shoots are extending, and reduce feeding when growth slows.
• Humidity: Aim for 50–60% humidity.
• Match watering to growth: Water deeply during active growth after the upper mix has begun to dry. When lower light or cooler conditions slow growth, allow more of the pot to dry before watering again.
• Keep the mix from compacting: Bark, coarse fibre or mineral particles help the pot drain while keeping the mix airy. Replace old potting mix if it turns dense or remains wet for unusually long periods.
• Support: Let the flexible stems arch and trail from a hanging pot or shelf.
• Let the shoots hang freely: Place the pot where the curled stems have room to extend. Trim only weak, damaged or awkwardly long growth so the plant can keep its natural trailing length.
• Propagation: Make cuttings from sound stems with multiple nodes and give them warmth until rooting is secure.

Changes Worth Checking on ‘Rasta’

• Flowering becomes sparse: Start with the light level. If healthy shoots are growing in a dim part of the room, move the plant closer to a bright window in stages and assess the next mature tips.
• Yellow foliage appears while the pot stays heavy for days: Increase the interval between waterings and check that both the drainage holes and substrate structure are still working. Soft stems or continued decline justify a root inspection; remove decayed tissue and use the root rot guide when rot is present.
• Cottony insects settle into the curled growth: Take the plant away from neighbouring foliage and examine nodes, leaf bases and the undersides of reflexed leaves. Wipe away visible mealybugs and repeat the inspection every few days. The mealybug guide explains the follow-up cycle if they return.

Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’ 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.

How did Aeschynanthus get its name?

Aeschynanthus combines the Greek aischyne, meaning shame or embarrassment, with anthos, flower.

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