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 4.0Achimenes

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.