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Moussonia papillosa (Kohleria papillosa)

This is a close look at the rare Moussonia papillosa from cloud forests of southern Mexico.  This beautiful Gesneriad forms a surprisingly large bush with awesome, oversized leaves that are fuzzy and soft.  The pinkish-orange blooms are 1½ inches long and appear all throughout the year.  This is a choice collector's plant that is very rare in cultivation.  It might not be available elsewhere online!

Moussonia papillosa (Kohleria papillosa)

Moussonia papillosa (formerly Kohleria papillosa) is a woody bush that grows vigorously to about 5 feet tall and wide.  It may be pruned to any size that is convenient.  Its large, 6 inch leaves are covered on both sides with downy-soft hairs that feel like a rabbit's ear!  The flaring, tubular blooms are similar to my Moussonia elegans except with more of a pinkish tinge (which my camera doesn't capture well).  The leaves are also fuzzier than Moussonia elegans.

Since it is new to cultivation, i have no information on its climate tolerances.  It thrives here in San Francisco, where temperatures are usually below 80 degrees F, and nights are cool.  It's possible that it won't thrive if temperatures get consistently above the low 80s (28 degrees C) and nights are above 65 degrees F (18 C).  It probably can survive a few degrees of frost since it spreads from underground rhizomes.  Still, i recommend protecting it from frost.  It grows well in a pot in rich, well-draining soil that's kept evenly moist.  It prefers filtered sunlight; protect it from strong afternoon sun.  Over about 40-50% humidity is best for this cloudforest species.  In the right conditions, it is an easy and very decorative plant.

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Germination tips for this plant

 

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Turquoise Puya

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