achimenes - care and propagation

the genus achimenes belongs to the gesneriaceae family and contains approx. 25 members, native to north and central america. they are known under several common names such as cupid’s bowers, hot water plants, magic flowers or widow’s tears.

the members of the genus achimenes aren’t that popular like the related african violets (saintpaulia). they are growing from rhizomes and go dormant during winter.

there are a lot of achimenes cultivars available, flowering in white, red, pink, purple or multi colored. some of them with netted or spotted throats. the green to bronze leaves go from smooth to slightly hairy.