How to Grow and Care for Iochroma Plants

 

The lochroma plants which is also known as mini angel trumpet or violet tubeflower is actually a dazzling plant that produces clusters of intensely purple, tube-shaped blooms throughout summer and early autumn. The lochroma plants is a fast growing plant and is member of the tomato family and is a distant cousin of brugmansia, another absolute stunner. Continue reading to learn how to grow and care for lochroma plants.

  

Iochroma Plant Growing Conditions

Actually the Iochroma plants are suitable for growing in the warm climates of USDA plant hardiness zones eight through ten. On the other hand, some varieties can easily be grown successfully in climates as far north as zone seven, but only if the plant roots are well insulated with a layer of mulch. If temperatures drop below thirty-five degree Fahrenheit the Iochroma plant may die to the ground, but will re-sprout in spring. Although the plant prefers full sunlight, the Iochroma plant will benefits from shade in warmer climates where temperatures regularly top eighty-five to ninety degree Fahrenheit. The Iochroma plants prefer a well-drained, acidic soil with a soil pH of around 5.5.  

 

Growing Iochroma Plants

The Iochroma plant propagation is easily achieved by just taking the cuttings from an established plant. Alternatively you can plant the Iochroma seeds in small a pot that is filled with well-drained potting mix. You need to place the pots in a warm room where they can receive filtered sunlight. Watch for the Iochroma plant seeds to germinate in about 6 weeks. Just give them a few more weeks to mature and then plant them in a permanent location within the garden. 

  

Caring for Iochroma Plant

The Iochroma plants care is easy and minimal. Just make sure you water the Iochroma plant regularly and always water at first sign of wilt, as the Iochroma plant doesn’t recover well from a severe wilt. On the other hand, do not overwater and never allow the Iochroma plant to become waterlogged. If you are planting in container make sure they are planted in a well-drained soil and the container has at least one drainage hole. You can fertilize the Iochroma plant monthly during the growing season by using a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio below 15-15-15. The Iochroma plants in containers benefit from regular application of a water-soluble fertilizer applied according to the label instructions. You can prune the Iochroma after blooming.