Hypocirta (Nematanthus)

The plants known as hiccup they are great to have indoors or in a warm garden. Its flowers are very showy, despite their small size, so if you need to add some color to the room, you will undoubtedly have the problem solved with them.

Next I will tell you how it is so that it is easier for you to identify it, and also I will tell you about their care. In this way, you can enjoy its beauty.

Origin and characteristics

Our protagonist is a climbing or hanging shrub originating in Brazil known as hipocirta that belongs to the genus Nematanthus. It has dark green evergreen leaves, fleshy, with a marked midrib, oval in shape and opposite arrangement. The flowers are shaped like a bag or sachet. Hummingbirds go to them to feed on the nectar that is inside them. These appear in late spring, but if the weather is warm they can also do so at other times of the year.

Its growth rate is medium-fast, and its maintenance is not difficult once it is protected from cold and low temperatures.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

• Location:
  • Indoor: in a bright room, without drafts.
  • Exterior: in semi-shade.
• Earth:
  • Pot: substrate for acid plants.
  • Garden: acidic (pH 4 to 6), fertile, well drained.
• Irrigation: it has to be watered an average of 3-4 times a week in summer, and between 1-2 times a week the rest. Use rainwater or lime-free.
• Subscriber: it is advisable to pay from the beginning of spring to the end of summer with ecological fertilizers, once a month. If it is potted, use liquid fertilizers, following the instructions specified on the package.
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring. Direct sowing in seedbed.
• Rusticity: does not stand the cold. If the temperature drops below 15ºC you will need protection.

What did you think of the hiccup?