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Description
Orthoraphium is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Gesneriaceae. This plant is native to Central and South America, where it grows in the humid forests. Orthoraphium is a popular ornamental plant, thanks to its beautiful foliage and flowers. There are about 20 species of Orthoraphium, each with its own unique characteristics.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus | Orthoraphium |
Appearance
Orthoraphium is a small plant that grows up to 12 inches in height. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a leathery texture. The leaves are arranged in pairs opposite each other on the stem. The flowers are tubular in shape and come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and red. The flowers bloom in clusters and last for several weeks.
Care Guide
Orthoraphium is a relatively easy plant to care for, as long as you provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips for caring for Orthoraphium:- Water: Orthoraphium prefers moist soil. Water it regularly, but make sure the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize Orthoraphium once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.- Sunlight: Orthoraphium prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Orthoraphium is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Orthoraphium is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To treat spider mites, wash the leaves with a mild soap solution and rinse well.- Mealybugs: These pests look like small balls of cotton and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To treat mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant.- Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and don’t overwater the plant.
Habitat
Orthoraphium is native to the humid forests of Central and South America. It prefers to grow in well-draining soil in partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Orthoraphium?
A: Water your Orthoraphium regularly, but make sure the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.
Q: How do I fertilize my Orthoraphium?
A: Fertilize your Orthoraphium once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What pests should I look out for on my Orthoraphium?
A: Orthoraphium is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and root rot.
Q: Where is Orthoraphium native to?
A: Orthoraphium is native to the humid forests of Central and South America.
Related Plants
– Kohleria- Sinningia- Nematanthus- Columnea- Achimenes
References
– “Orthoraphium.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden. Web.- “Orthoraphium.” Gesneriad Reference Web. Web.- “Orthoraphium.” Dave’s Garden. Web.
