How to Grow Eximia
Wikimedia Commons
Eximia
Columnea eximia
flowerEximia is a tropical epiphytic plant known for its striking tubular red flowers with yellow throats that bloom prolifically. A member of the Gesneriaceae family, it thrives as a hanging plant or in baskets, producing cascading stems adorned with small, fuzzy green leaves. The plant is prized by collectors for its showy, long-lasting flowers and relatively manageable care requirements indoors.
When should you plant Eximia in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Eximia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Eximia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Eximia blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Eximia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10b-11; best grown indoors in cooler climates
Sign up free to see if Eximia grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Eximia timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksNewly potted plant focuses on root development with minimal visible growth
Water sparingly, maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F), avoid fertilizing until new growth appears
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsPlant develops trailing stems with soft, fuzzy green leaves; stems can grow 12-24 inches
Provide bright indirect light, maintain high humidity, fertilize bi-weekly with diluted balanced fertilizer
Budding
2-4 weeksSmall flower buds appear along stems, initially appearing as tight green nodules
Increase humidity slightly, avoid moving plant, maintain consistent moisture, reduce nitrogen fertilizer
Flowering
4-12 weeks (can rebloom multiple times yearly)Vibrant red tubular flowers with yellow throats open, typically 1-2 inches long, appearing in clusters
Maintain humidity and consistent watering, continue light feeding with low-nitrogen fertilizer, deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Rest/Dormancy
4-8 weeks (optional depending on light conditions)Plant may slow growth and flowering temporarily, especially in winter months
Reduce watering slightly, maintain warm temperature (minimum 60°F), provide ample light, resume regular fertilizing when growth resumes
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity to 60%+, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days; isolate affected plants
-
Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until resolved
-
Hand-remove with tweezers, treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; inspect regularly
-
Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings, use yellow sticky traps, apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) if severe
-
Improve air circulation, reduce humidity slightly if needed, remove affected leaves, avoid wetting foliage
Uses
Indoor Ornamental Decoration
HouseholdEximia's vibrant red and yellow flowers make it an exceptional hanging basket or shelf plant for indoor decoration, bringing tropical elegance to homes and offices. [source]
Plant Propagation & Collecting
CraftThe plant propagates easily from stem cuttings, making it popular among plant collectors and enthusiasts for building collections and sharing with other gardeners. [source]
Hummingbird Attraction
WildlifeIn tropical outdoor settings, the tubular red flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, making it valuable for pollinator gardens. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not applicable as this is an ornamental flowering plant. Deadhead spent flowers by pinching them off to encourage continuous blooming. Prune leggy stems in spring to promote bushier growth. Cuttings can be propagated for new plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Columnea eximia is native to the cloud forests of Central and South America, where it naturally grows as an epiphyte on tree branches in humid, shaded conditions.
- 🌱 The plant's flowers are specifically adapted to hummingbird pollination—the tubular shape and bright red color are classic indicators of hummingbird-pollinated flowers.
- 🌱 Unlike many tropical plants, Eximia can bloom nearly year-round indoors under proper lighting conditions, providing continuous flowers for 8-12 months per year in optimal conditions.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Eximia planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Eximia seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Eximia timeline →