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Achimenes Scarlet Gem
Achimenes × hybrid 'Scarlet Gem'
flowerAchimenes 'Scarlet Gem' is a stunning hybrid flowering plant known for its vibrant scarlet-red blooms and compact, bushy growth habit. Part of the Gesneriaceae family, this tender perennial is prized as a houseplant and outdoor container specimen for its prolific, long-lasting flowers throughout the growing season. The plant features soft, fuzzy foliage and produces delicate trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Primarily grown as a houseplant or outdoor annual in zones 3-9; hardy year-round in zones 10-12
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Growth Stages
Dormancy/Planting
2-4 weeksRhizomes are dry and inactive. Pot them in moist soil and keep warm.
Keep soil barely moist at 65-70°F. Provide bottom heat (70°F) to encourage sprouting. May take 2-4 weeks for shoots to emerge.
Sprouting/Early Growth
2-3 weeksFirst shoots emerge from rhizome. Soft, fuzzy green leaves develop.
Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F), high humidity (50-70%), and bright indirect light. Begin light watering as growth emerges. Feed weekly with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems and increasing leaf coverage.
Pinch growing tips early to encourage branching and compact shape. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Fertilize every 7-10 days with balanced or slightly higher phosphorus formula (like 10-30-20).
Flowering
8-12 weeks or longerAbundant scarlet-red trumpet flowers appear from leaf axils and branch tips. Continuous blooming period.
Continue consistent watering and fertilizing (shift to higher potassium for blooming). Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Maintain 70-75°F temperatures and 50-60% humidity. Support heavy flower clusters if needed.
Late Season/Dormancy Preparation
4-6 weeksFlowering slows as days shorten and temperatures cool. Foliage may yellow.
Gradually reduce watering in fall. Stop fertilizing. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings. Foliage will naturally decline. Cut back dead growth and store dormant rhizomes dry in cool (50-60°F) location for winter.
Common Pests
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Increase humidity to 60%+, mist foliage regularly (avoid fuzzy leaves), use neem oil spray on undersides of leaves if severe, isolate affected plants
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Inspect regularly, remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, apply insecticidal soap, improve air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, increase air circulation, isolate infested plants
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Allow soil surface to dry between waterings, use sand topdressing, apply beneficial nematodes or Bti to soil
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Improve air circulation, reduce humidity slightly if possible, avoid wetting foliage, apply sulfur dust or fungicide spray
Uses
Ornamental display (non-edible)
CulinaryWhile not consumed, the brilliant scarlet flowers are prized as cut flowers for decorative arrangements and as living bouquets in containers. [source]
Indoor houseplant decoration
HouseholdAchimenes 'Scarlet Gem' is an excellent choice for brightening indoor spaces, windowsills, hanging baskets, and shaded patios with long-lasting vibrant blooms. [source]
Hummingbird and pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe tubular scarlet flowers are specifically attractive to hummingbirds and beneficial insects, making it an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly indoor or outdoor gardens. [source]
Hybridization and breeding
CraftAchimenes hybrids like 'Scarlet Gem' are popular among plant enthusiasts for hybridization projects and selective breeding to create new color and form combinations. [source]
Traditional herbal uses (limited)
MedicinalSome Achimenes species have been used in traditional medicine in Central and South America, though 'Scarlet Gem' is primarily ornamental with no significant documented medicinal applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Achimenes produces continuous flowers for display rather than harvest in the traditional sense. Deadhead spent blooms regularly by pinching or cutting just below the flower to encourage more flowering. Flowers last 3-5 days individually but bloom production continues for weeks. In fall, allow plant to naturally decline, then dig and store dormant rhizomes in dry peat moss or sand at 50-60°F for winter (3-4 months), then restart in spring.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Achimenes' comes from the Greek words 'a' (without) and 'cheimaino' (to suffer from cold), reflecting the plant's sensitivity to cold temperatures and preference for warm growing conditions.
- 🌱 Achimenes rhizomes are sometimes called 'magic flowers' because they can be stored completely dry for months, then planted and reactivated to produce a fresh plant with minimal water or care initially.
- 🌱 The fuzzy leaves of Achimenes are prone to rot if water sits on them, so this plant is best watered from below using a wicking system, capillary mat, or careful soil-level watering to maintain its ornamental foliage.
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