You can tie the vines to a trellis, lattice, or even a collapsible wooden tepee using string or plant ties to prevent the stems from tangling on the ground. Lifted vines will receive better air circulation, which decreases the likelihood of developing a fungal disease.
Light
Rhodochitons grow best when exposed to full sunlight. However, providing some dappled shade, particularly during hot summer afternoons, can help prevent leaf burn.
Water
When first planting a rhodochiton, be sure to water the seeds at least two or three times weekly until overnight temperatures hover consistently above 32˚F. After that, you should water your rhodochiton regularly to keep the soil moist and allow the roots to establish properly.
Soil
Rhodochitons grow well in average soil conditions but bear the best results when planted in humus-rich, moist soil. The ideal soil is loamy and fertile, as well as fast-draining.
Temperature and Humidity
Rhodochitons thrive in warmer temperatures and are not hardy below 32˚F. Outdoor vines can survive the winter in USDA zone 9, but the plants will die back completely to the ground.
Fertilizer
To support healthy plant growth, you can fertilize your rhodochiton every four weeks using a 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer. Start with a rate of half of a teaspoon of fertilizer per one gallon of water.
Types of Rhodochiton
Rhodochiton atrosanguineusRhodochiton hintonii Rhodochiton nubicola
Pruning
Rhodochitons don’t require extensive pruning, however, you should trim the plant after bloom. Trimming after flowering will help encourage lateral branching and create the appearance of bushier plants while keeping the vines manageable.
How to Grow Rhodochiton From Seed
Potting and Repotting Rhodochiton
When growing in containers, consider using a mixture of two parts sphagnum peat moss, one part loamy soil, and one part perlite for best growth. As the rhodochiton grows, you should move it to a larger pot or container. The pot should be about 6 to 8 inches in diameter, and no more than one plant should be grown per 6 inch pot. If you are growing a rhodochiton in a pot larger than a gallon, you can plant up to three.
Overwintering
Rhotochitons should protected from winter weather, especially during particularly cold periods. You should move your plant indoors or provide additional insulation by covering the plant’s base with a three or four-inch layer of mulch.
Common Pests & Diseases
Indoor, container-grown rhodochiton plants can be susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, and diseases like botrytis and chalara elegans. You can quickly treat the insects by spraying insecticide or horticultural oil. Rhodochitons are also susceptible to fungal diseases, like root rot.
How to Get Rhodochiton to Bloom
The rhodochiton is known for its heart-shaped leaves and drooping purple-black, three-inch tubular flowers when blooming. The leaves and spindly stems are pale green and coil to support the flowers. When supported properly, blooms can reach up to 10 feet tall. Rhodochitons produce bloom in the summer through the fall. During the bloom, you can deadhead flowers and trim vines to promote growth and moisten the soil, but not overwater. Vine trimming during bloom helps lateral growth and prevents tangling.
Common Problems With Rhodochiton
The rhodochiton is a relatively tolerant plant but can develop issues common to all vine plants. This includes yellow leaves, and mold spots.
Yellow Leaves
If you notice yellow leaves on your rhodochiton, it is likely suffering from overwatering, under-watering, or a lack of nutrients. The yellow leaves may also be a result of sunburn. Consider adjusting your watering regimen to determine whether inadequate water is the cause of the yellowing. If this doesn’t solve the problem, consider adding a nutrient-rich fertilizer to your plant’s soil. Nutrient deficiencies may include magnesium, nitrogen, or potassium.
Mold Spots
Grey mold spots are a fungus condition common to many types of plants. The fungus is likely caused by overwatering. When you notice mold spots, act quickly to remove damaged parts of the plant to stop the fungus from spreading. Once you have removed the leaves, re-pot or relocate the rhodochiton to healthier soil.
