The Brazilian Candle Plant, scientifically known as Kohleria eriantha, offers a captivating and exotic presence to any indoor plant collection. Its unique common name hints at the plant’s distinctive and appealing floral display, making it a desirable choice for those seeking tropical beauty in their homes.
Understanding the Brazilian Candle Plant
The Brazilian Candle Plant, Kohleria eriantha, is known for its vibrant and unusual blooms. Its charm lies in the combination of fuzzy leaves and tubular flowers, which are often speckled. The most striking feature, however, is the prominent, colorful bracts that encase the actual flower, resembling glowing “candles” or “flames” and giving the plant its common name. The true flowers are typically deep purplish-blue and are surrounded by bright pink to red modified leaves, creating a startling effect. This plant is native to tropical regions of South America. Its lance-shaped leaves are evergreen and glossy on the upper side, with a slightly furry texture underneath.
Brazilian Candle Plant Care
Providing the right environment for your Brazilian Candle Plant ensures its continued health and vibrant blooms. Mimicking its natural tropical habitat is key to successful cultivation indoors.
Light Needs
Brazilian Candle Plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Placing them in a south, east, or west-facing window with filtered light is often ideal. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch delicate leaves. Conversely, insufficient light can result in leggy growth and a noticeable reduction in flowering. Supplemental grow lights can encourage year-round blooming indoors.
Watering
Allow the top inch or two (2.5-5 cm) of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause wilting and brown leaf tips. During periods of dormancy, reduce watering, providing just enough to prevent the leaves from wilting. Some sources suggest watering from the bottom to protect rhizomes from constant dampness.
Soil Requirements
The Brazilian Candle Plant prefers a well-draining, airy soil mix rich in organic matter. A suitable blend can include general potting mix combined with perlite for improved drainage. Peat moss or coco coir can also be incorporated to provide slightly acidic conditions. African Violet potting mix is ideal.
Temperature and Humidity
Kohleria eriantha thrives in warm and humid environments. Average room temperatures between 65 and 75°F (18-24°C) are preferred. Protect the plant from cold drafts, as temperatures below 60°F (16°C) can cause stress. High humidity is beneficial; increase it by placing the pot on a pebble tray, using a room humidifier, or grouping plants. Misting is not recommended due to hairy leaves, which can trap moisture and lead to spots or fungal issues.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season, fertilize your Brazilian Candle Plant every two weeks. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength to avoid over-fertilization. If the plant is not blooming, a formula with a higher phosphorus content can encourage more flowers. Stop fertilization during any periods of dormancy or reduced growth. Always ensure the soil is slightly damp before applying fertilizer to protect the roots.
Propagating Your Brazilian Candle Plant
Propagating the Brazilian Candle Plant is most common using stem cuttings. Take softwood cuttings, 2-6 inches long, preferably in spring. Remove leaves from the lower half, leaving a few at the top. Root cuttings in water or a moist potting mix. Place them in a warm location with indirect light and cover with a plastic bag or dome to maintain high humidity, encouraging rooting within a few weeks. Rhizome division is another method, especially when repotting, as the plant produces numerous rhizomes that can be separated to create new plants.
Addressing Common Issues
Even with proper care, Brazilian Candle Plants may encounter some common problems. A lack of blooms often indicates insufficient light, so ensuring the plant receives bright, indirect light is important for encouraging flowering. Improper fertilization, either too little or too much, can also inhibit blooming. Yellowing leaves are a frequent sign of distress, commonly linked to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause leaves to yellow.
Brown leaf edges or tips usually point to low humidity or inconsistent watering; increasing ambient humidity and maintaining a consistent watering schedule can resolve this. While Brazilian Candle Plants generally have few pest issues, they can occasionally be affected by common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs. These can often be managed with organic solutions such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Regular inspection helps in early detection and treatment of any pest infestations.