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Name That Plant!

Dark red leaves with fluted red flowers--what is it?

14 years ago

This plant, when it was striving, had dark red leaves and would bloom these beautiful, velvety dark red fluted flowers. The red leaves now are from the old, nearly dead plant. Green leaves are new growth.

I do not have pics of the flowers now. In fact, the plant almost died and is now flourishing again, however, the leaves won't turn red. Same light conditions, except that it was repotted into different soil.

What is this plant and what is missing for the leaves to be red again?

Thanks!

Image link:

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Comments (5)

carol23_gw
14 years ago
Perhaps Aeschynanthus, Lipstick plant.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:368759}}
carol222
14 years ago
Columnea?
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bill_ri_z6b
14 years ago
It looks like Columnea to me too. Be glad you have all those green leaves! That's a sign of new growth and means your plant was happy to be repotted! They will turn darker in time if they have good light. They like bright light, but not direct sun. I have mine near a south-facing window but it's off to the side so that only the VERY early morning sun may be on it for just a short time.
missmai2
Original Author
14 years ago
Wonderful thank you!! I believe mine is indeed the Aeschynanthus as it is exactly like the pic that was linked above. It is very similar to Columnea---are they the same family? (I am new to the plant world).

And yes, I am very excited about the green leaves but hope they turn that beautiful red and bloom flowers again soon.

Again, thank you!
bill_ri_z6b
14 years ago
Aeschyanthus generally have smooth leaves and Columnea leaves are a little velvety. Yes they are the same family of Gesneriads, along with the well-known African Violets, and Episcias and Streptocarpus. Mostly prefer warm temps and indirect but bright light. Even moisture and good potting soil with adequate drainage. Feeding every few weeks helps growth and flowering. Good luck!

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