Habitat and Ecology
​Columnea minor is a variable, climbing or pendent epiphytic herb native to the humid forests of Western Colombia and Ecuador. It typically grows attached to tree branches and trunks in montane and rain forests at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 metres. This habitat is characterised by high humidity, frequent cloud cover, and a consistent climate without extreme temperature swings. As a jungle epiphyte, it absorbs most of its moisture and nutrients from the air and accumulating organic debris, thriving in a highly aerated environment.
​Description
​This species is a beautiful, herbaceous perennial with thin, wiry, pendent stems that can trail 15-70 cm or more, rooting at the nodes. The stems are often reddish and covered in fine, thin hairs. The leaves are characteristically anisophyllous (neatly unequal in size) and arranged in opposite pairs along the stem, with one leaf of the pair being much smaller than the other. The large leaves are typically dark purplish-green, deeply veined, and can be ovate to lance-shaped.
​The flowers are striking: a deep purple to dark red, tubular corolla (fused petals) emerges from a prominent, often feathery, crimson or fuchsia-pink calyx (sepals). The corolla often has a contrasting yellow face or tip. These highly ornamental, hummingbird-pollinated blooms are produced in the upper leaf axils and are followed by small, globose, pinkish, fleshy berries.
​Cultivation
​Columnea minor is best grown in a hanging pot or basket in a bright location in a conservatory or indoors. It requires bright, filtered light; a few hours of weak morning sun is acceptable, but protect it from intense, direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves and cause leaf drop. The substrate should be a very aerated, lightweight, and well-draining epiphytic mix, such as fine orchid bark, perlite, and a minimal amount of synthetic peat or coir. Keep the medium constantly moist but ensure excellent drainage to prevent rot. High humidity (65-80%) is crucial for health and to promote heavy flowering.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-24 C (64-75 F)
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A small, consistent drop is beneficial, ideally 15-18 C (59-64 F).
​Feed regularly (monthly to fortnightly when actively growing) with a high-potash liquid feed diluted to quarter-strength to encourage prolific blooming.
​Unique Features
​This Columnea is a highly variable and unique collector's item known for its incredibly dramatic, brightly coloured flowers that feature a fuzzy, crimson calyx contrasting with a dark, tubular corolla and yellow tip. Its cascading, wiry stems and elegant, unequal leaves make it an exquisite hanging basket specimen. Successfully blooming this unusual Gesneriad provides a high visual reward, making it a desirable challenge for the intermediate collector.
​Specifications
​Plant Size: 10-22 cm long established plants. propagated by us in the UK.
​Plant Family: Gesneriaceae
​Plant Passport: A Columnea minor B 140084 C [user input] D GB