Callianthe Picta, also known as the Painted Calico flower, is a species of flowering plant in the Malvaceae family. It is a tropical shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is native to the Amazon basin in Brazil.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Callianthe |
Appearance
The Callianthe Picta has oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and have a slightly hairy texture. The flowers are tubular-shaped and can be either pink, white, or purple in color. They have a yellow center and can grow up to 5 centimeters in diameter. The plant blooms from spring to fall and can produce up to 10 flowers at a time.
Care Guide
The Callianthe Picta is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers to be kept in a well-draining soil mix and needs to be watered regularly. It also requires full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Common Pests & Diseases
The most common pests that affect the Callianthe Picta are aphids and spider mites. To prevent these pests, regularly spray the plant with water and use insecticidal soap if necessary. The plant is also susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so make sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Habitat
The Callianthe Picta is native to the Amazon basin in Brazil, where it grows in tropical rainforests. It prefers to grow in areas with high humidity and warm temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Callianthe Picta be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Callianthe Picta can be grown indoors as long as it is placed near a window with bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should Callianthe Picta be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How tall can Callianthe Picta grow?
A: Callianthe Picta can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.
Q: What is the blooming season for Callianthe Picta?
A: The plant blooms from spring to fall.
Related Plants
- Callianthe megapotamica
- Callianthe lutea
- Callianthe hookeri
References
- “Callianthe picta.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 25, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c751.
- “Callianthe picta.” PlantFiles. Accessed October 25, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/108873/.
- “Callianthe picta.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed October 25, 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=111543.
