How to Grow Achimenes Purple King

Achimenes Purple King

Achimenes × 'Purple King'

flower

Achimenes Purple King is a tender perennial flowering plant known for its vibrant deep purple blooms with contrasting yellow throats. It produces abundant tubular flowers throughout the growing season and is ideal for containers, hanging baskets, and indoor cultivation. This hybrid cultivar is prized for its long bloom period and compact growth habit.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; 6-8 hours daily; avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch leaves

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season; reduce watering in winter when dormant; use room-temperature water

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days to first flowers

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Planting depth: Rhizomes planted ½ inch deep; transplants at soil line

Soil

Type: Light, well-draining peat-based or potting mix with orchid bark

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or coco coir Perlite Orchid bark Compost

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 10b-11; grown as an annual or houseplant in cooler climates

10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Dormancy/Planting

4-6 weeks

Rhizomes are dormant and appear as small scaly tubers; new shoots are just beginning to emerge

Store rhizomes in cool, dry place over winter; start rhizomes in moist soil in spring; maintain soil temperature around 70°F for sprouting

Seedling/Early Growth

3-4 weeks

New shoots emerge; small heart-shaped leaves develop; plant is establishing root system

Keep soil evenly moist; maintain bright indirect light; avoid fertilizing until growth is established; ensure good air circulation

Vegetative

4-6 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and dense foliage; lush green leafy growth with no flowers yet

Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier habit; fertilize weekly with balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer; maintain consistent moisture and humidity (50-70%)

Flowering

8-12 weeks or more

Abundant deep purple tubular flowers with yellow throats appear along stems; blooms continuously throughout season

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; reduce nitrogen fertilizer, switch to bloom-promoting formula (higher phosphorus); maintain consistent watering; humidity is critical

Decline/Dormancy

4-8 weeks transition

Flowering slows in fall; foliage yellows and dies back as temperatures cool; plant enters dormancy

Gradually reduce watering as growth slows; stop fertilizing; allow foliage to fully die back; move to cool location (55-60°F); store rhizomes dry over winter

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

African violet Streptocarpus Episcia Begonia Fern Peperomia

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring dry conditions Cacti Succulents Plants sensitive to high humidity

Common Pests

Increase humidity; mist foliage; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure good air circulation
Yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap; neem oil treatment
Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; provide good air circulation; treat with fungicide if needed; use sterile soil
Improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly; spray with fungicide; remove affected leaves

Uses

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Ornamental and Non-Edible

Culinary

Achimenes flowers are not edible and not used in culinary applications. They are purely ornamental plants grown for their beautiful display. [source]

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Indoor Decoration & Containerized Display

Household

Ideal for hanging baskets, containers, shelves, and windowsills indoors or on protected patios. The cascading habit and abundant flowers make it excellent for brightening indoor spaces, bathrooms, and humid growing areas. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Purple King flowers can be cut for short-lived indoor arrangements, adding vibrant purple color to floral displays. Blooms last 3-5 days in water. [source]

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Hummingbird & Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The tubular purple flowers with yellow throats attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, making it valuable for creating wildlife habitat indoors or in protected outdoor spaces. [source]

Harvest Tips

Achimenes Purple King is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvested for food. Deadhead spent blooms regularly by pinching off flowers just below the calyx to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Cut flowers can be enjoyed in arrangements indoors; they typically last 3-5 days in a vase with fresh water.

Fun Facts

🌱 Achimenes are sometimes called 'Magic Flowers' because they appear to magically bloom after dormancy; their rhizomes can remain viable for years when stored properly
🌱 The genus Achimenes belongs to the Gesneriaceae (African Violet) family and is native to tropical regions of Central and South America, preferring humid rainforest conditions
🌱 Achimenes flowers are known for their rapid opening and closing responses to light; flowers may open and close within a single day based on light levels and humidity

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