Achimenes

Achimenes is a genus of 25 species in the Gesneriaceae family native to the West Indies, Mexico and Central America. Plants are summer growing and winter dormant, pulling back to "scaly rhizomes" that are distinctive to some genera of the Gesneriaceae. Species and hundreds of hybrids in this genus are often grown as a house plants or in the tropical greenhouses, but many of them can be grown outdoors in summer in well watered good soil in part shade. They respond well to fertilization during growth. After a period of growth and flowering, the plants produce rhizomes that are often formed below the soil, but sometimes smaller sized rhizomes may also appear on stems or leaves above the soil. During dormancy, the rhizomes should be kept dry in moderate temperatures until started back into growth in late winter or spring. When stored cool with higher air humidity, the rhizomes do not need extra water, but when stored in a heated space, a touch of supplemental water to keep the soil from going completely dry is recommended. Growers of the genus noted that the rhizomes perform best when left in their pots during dormancy.

For more information and pictures consult the Gesneriad Reference Web
See all the Achimenes species together, go to the overview page
See all the Achimenes hybrids together, go to the overview page

Achimenes species
admirabilis	antirrhina	candida	cettoana
dulcis	erecta	flava	grandiflora
heterophylla	longiflora	mexicana	misera
patens	pedunculata	obscura	skinneri

Achimenes hybrids
'Amie Saliba'	'George Houche'	'Judith'	'Grape Wine'
'Pink Cloud'	'Prima Donna'