Chirita Anachoreta

Description

Chirita Anachoreta is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. It is native to the eastern Himalayas and can be found in Bhutan, India, and Nepal. The plant is known for its beautiful flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have a diameter of around 2 cm.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Lamiales
Family	Gesneriaceae
Genus	Chirita
Species	Anachoreta

Appearance

Chirita Anachoreta grows up to 15 cm in height and has a spread of around 30 cm. The plant has a rosette of leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape and have a length of around 5 to 10 cm. The leaves are dark green in color and have a velvety texture. The flowers of Chirita Anachoreta bloom in clusters at the end of long stalks. The flowers have a trumpet shape and are around 2 cm in diameter. They come in shades of pink, purple, and white and have a yellow throat.

Care Guide

Chirita Anachoreta is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires moderate attention. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

• Water: The plant requires regular watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: Chirita Anachoreta prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Chirita Anachoreta is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
• Fungal Diseases: Overwatering can cause fungal diseases like root rot. Make sure to water the plant only when the top layer of soil is dry.

Habitat

Chirita Anachoreta is native to the eastern Himalayas and can be found in Bhutan, India, and Nepal. The plant grows in shady areas like forests and undergrowth.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Chirita Anachoreta a good indoor plant?

A: Yes, Chirita Anachoreta can be grown as an indoor plant as long as it gets enough bright, indirect sunlight.

Q: How often should I fertilize Chirita Anachoreta?

A: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: Can Chirita Anachoreta tolerate cold temperatures?

A: No, the plant is not frost-tolerant and should be kept in temperatures above 40°F.

Q: How often should I water Chirita Anachoreta?

A: Water the plant when the top layer of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.

Related Plants

• Chirita Alpina
• Chirita Chirayita
• Chirita Horsfieldii
• Chirita Longgangensis

References

• “Chirita Anachoreta” PlantFiles. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/63312/.
• “Chirita Anachoreta” The Gesneriad Society. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.gesneriadsociety.org/gesneriad-chirita-anachoreta/.