Overview
Cochliostema odoratissimum is a plant with a epiphytic perennial with slender, trailing stems habit in the genus Cochliostema, part of the Commelinaceae family, with glossy, lanceolate leaves with dark green upper surfaces and pale undersides foliage. Cochliostema odoratissimum grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include ornamental houseplant for hanging baskets.
About
Cochliostema odoratissimum is an epiphytic perennial in the Commelinaceae family, featuring slender, trailing stems and glossy lanceolate leaves with dark green upper surfaces and pale undersides. This cultivar thrives in partial shade, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained loam soil that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. Suitable as an ornamental houseplant, it is often grown in hanging baskets and is best propagated by division in spring. Its season of interest spans spring and summer, and it requires protection in the UK, with a hardiness rating of H1b.
About the genus
Cochliostema is a genus of plants with two species in the family Commelinaceae. The genus occurs from southern Nicaragua to southern Ecuador.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cochliostema", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cochliostema
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cochliostema
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Cochliostema odoratissimum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Epiphytic perennial with slender, trailing stems
- Foliage
- Glossy, lanceolate leaves with dark green upper surfaces and pale undersides
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental houseplant for hanging baskets
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cochliostema odoratissimum
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leafhoppers
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cochliostema odoratissimum?
Cochliostema odoratissimum prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cochliostema odoratissimum need?
Cochliostema odoratissimum grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
Is Cochliostema odoratissimum hardy in the UK?
Cochliostema odoratissimum has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Cochliostema odoratissimum?
Division in spring.