Overview
Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf' is a bushy houseplants in the genus Achimenes, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf' is a bushy cultivar of the Achimenes genus, which comprises perennial plants with rhizomes and trailing stems. This deciduous houseplant is suited to sheltered positions with full sun or partial shade, thriving in moist but well-drained loam soils across a range of pH levels. It is ideal for patios, containers, and conservatories, producing salver-shaped flowers in spring and summer. Propagation is typically by division of rhizomes or stem tip cuttings in spring.
About the genus
Achimenes is a genus of about 25 species of tropical and subtropical rhizomatous perennial herbs in the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae. They have a multitude of common names such as magic flowers, widow's tears, Cupid's bower, or hot water plant.
Wikipedia contributors, "Achimenes", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Achimenes
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Achimenes
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf'
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring, Stem tip cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf'?
Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf' need?
Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf' hardy in the UK?
Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Achimenes erecta 'Mexican Dwarf'?
Division of rhizomes in spring, Stem tip cuttings in spring.