Magic Flower Achimenes 'Sugarland'
ABOUT
The Achimenes 'Sugarland' exhibits a charming display that is delightful to the senses. This plant, commonly known as Cupid's Bower, showcases an aesthetically pleasing collection of delicate flowers. The blossoms are characterized by their tubular shape, which flares out into fluted edges, creating a look that is both elegant and whimsical. The petals exhibit a soft palette, often adorned with subtle hues that may remind one of a gentle sunrise or a pastel rainbow. The foliage of the Achimenes 'Sugarland' is lush, with leaves that carry a velvety texture, contributing to an overall tropical impression. The leaves are usually a rich green, adding a vibrant backdrop to the softer colored flowers. The arrangement of the leaves can create a dense and visually pleasing contrast, highlighting the floriferous nature of this plant. The overall aspect of the Achimenes 'Sugarland' is one of gentle grace, with an appearance that may evoke a cottage garden or evoke a sense of romantic charm in a shaded corner of a garden where its delicate features can be appreciated. The contrast between the foliage and the blossoms makes this plant a coveted choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of whimsy and delicate beauty to their collections.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Gesneriaceae.
Synonyms
Cupid's Bower, Hot Water Plant, Magic Flower, Mother of Thousands, Nut Orchid.
Common names
Achimenes 'Sugarland'.
ToxicityTo humans
Achimenes 'Sugarland', commonly known as Magic Flowers or Hot Water Plant, is not widely known to be toxic to humans. However, lacking specific information about this cultivar's toxicity, as with any plant, it is advisable to exercise caution and keep it out of reach of children who might ingest it by mistake. If a person were to ingest part of the plant and then experience any symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, they should seek medical attention.
To pets
Magic Flowers are also not widely known to be toxic to pets. Caution should still be used to prevent pets from ingesting plants, as individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions not commonly documented. If a pet does ingest Magic Flowers and exhibits symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset or vomiting, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Achimenes 'Sugarland' is known for being easy to care for, making it a great option for beginner gardeners.
- Colorful Blooms: It produces vibrant and colorful flowers that can add aesthetic appeal to a garden or indoor space.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, offering versatility in garden design.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for pots and containers, it's ideal for decorating patios, balconies, and indoor areas with limited space.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: Achimenes 'Sugarland' has a season-specific flowering period that can help to create a dynamic and changing garden landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cupcake Decoration: Achimenes flowers, when grown organically, can be used to add an ornate, edible touch to desserts such as cupcakes.
- Botanical Art: The vibrant blooms of Achimenes can be pressed and included in botanical art pieces or herbarium collections.
- Educational Tool: Schools and educational programs may use Achimenes to help teach children about plant growth cycles and pollination.
- Color Dye: The petals of the Achimenes might be boiled to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper crafts.
- Photo Backdrop: Achimenes plants can be grown together to form a colorful backdrop for photography or small events.
- Fairy Gardens: Small Achimenes plants are suitable for adding to fairy gardens for a touch of bright color and enchantment.
- Aroma Therapy: While not medically, the gentle fragrance of Achimenes flowers could be used to provide a calming environment in spaces like spas or yoga studios.
- Plant Competitions: Achimenes growers may enter their plants in gardening competitions for their unique blooms and foliage.
- Cultural Symbols: Achimenes might be planted in cultural gardens as they often have symbolic meanings in different societies, such as representing approachability.
- Table Settings: Small pots of Achimenes can be used to add a live, floral touch to table settings at events or in restaurants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Achimenes is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Achimenes is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Delicacy: The Achimenes, also known as Magic Flowers or Hot Water Plant, features delicate blossoms that symbolize fragility and gentle nature.
- Charm and Beauty: Its attractive flowers represent enchantment and the appreciation of beauty in many cultures.
- Romance: Often given as a gesture of romantic interest, the Achimenes is associated with expressing affection and love.
- Variety: With a wide range of colors, the plant symbolizes diversity and the embracing of differences.
- Resilience: Despite its delicate appearance, the Achimenes is quite hardy and represents strength in adversity and the ability to thrive under challenging conditions.
WaterCupid’s Bower should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, which may translate to approximately once a week. During active growth in spring and summer, they prefer consistent moisture, so you may need to water more frequently, depending on temperature and humidity. Use room temperature water, and water directly onto the soil to avoid wetting the leaves, providing around 16 to 24 onzes of water for a medium-sized pot. In winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly to just keep the soil from completely drying out.
LightCupid’s Bower thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it in a location where it can receive plenty of light but is shielded from the harsh midday sun, such as near an east-facing or north-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureCupid’s Bower prefers a warm environment, with ideal temperatures ranging between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but freezing temperatures can be detrimental. Protect the plant from drafts and sudden temperature changes to maintain its health and flowering potential.
PruningPrune Cupid’s Bower to maintain shape, remove dead or yellowing leaves, and encourage bushier growth. This is best done after blooming has finished, typically in late summer or early fall. Cut back the stems to a few inches above the soil line using clean shears, and dispose of the trimmings.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hot Water Plant 'Sugarland' is loose, rich, well-draining, and loamy with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of peat, perlite, and organic compost works well.
RepottingHot Water Plants such as 'Sugarland' should be repotted annually in the spring when they begin to outgrow their current pots or when the soil mix is depleted.
Humidity & MistingHot Water Plant 'Sugarland' thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 60% and 80% for optimal growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Keep in partial shade and protect from afternoon sun.
Life cycleThe Achimenes 'Sugarland', commonly known as cup flower or hot water plant, undergoes a perennial growth cycle. The life cycle begins with the rhizomatous tubers, which break dormancy in the spring and start to sprout. As temperatures warm, these tubers give rise to shoots that develop into lush foliage and start flowering, producing vibrant blooms throughout the summer. Following the flowering period, the plant enters a stage of senescence in the fall, wherein the above-ground foliage withers as the plant prepares for dormancy. During winter, Achimenes 'Sugarland' remains dormant underground in its tuber form, conserving energy for the next growing season. With the return of favorable conditions in the next spring, the cycle restarts with the tubers sprouting anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Achimenes, also known as 'Hot Water Plant' or 'Magic Flower', is widely propagated by rhizomes, particularly in the spring when the plant comes out of dormancy. The most popular method involves dividing the tiny, tuber-like rhizomes that have been overwintered in a cool, dry place. Once the danger of frost has passed, the rhizomes are planted about 1/2 inch deep (approximately 1.25 centimeters) in a well-draining potting mix. The container should be placed in a warm spot with indirect light until growth begins. It's essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as too much water can cause the rhizomes to rot. As the plants grow, they can be potted up or transplanted outdoors where they will thrive in partial shade.
