Callisia Fragrans commonly known as a Basket Plant.
I'm still figuring it out of all the names - a Basket Plant? Strange.
Anyways I must say you will either love it or hate this plant.
They are so hardy as you can just throw them anywhere and it would pick itself you and grow as that to say it really requires no care at all - Mine is actually growing on a roof -literally!
And thus it is so easy a plant - it can become invasive and so you may have to prune it down to keep the leggy appearance when it is overgrown.
Just like most hardy Callisia characteristics - this one is practically hardy and easy to care for.
It does require more on the bright light area to grow (Too shaded and it will become leggy and messy)
It does require more on the bright light area to grow (Too shaded and it will become leggy and messy)
I also had noticed that it does have very beautiful variegated leaves but I had also found that it's coloration is unstable and thus will not really remain in that condition when it gives out it pups.
Propagation:
Usually you can trim the stem and replant it where new shoots will grow from the stem cuttings. Alternatively when nature takes it's cause - hanging pups appear with aerial roots very much similar in the appearance of a bromeliad - even the florets appears in the same features of a broms.
However the leaves are succulent and can easy damaged if handled roughly. Also just like any other Callisia species - I find snails and slugs do cause more damage on the foliage if left unchecked.
Over all, I would say this is the most easiest plant to grow without much care and would truly recommend for new beginners - though I had not seen them sold in any nurseries widely. Perhaps I had gone out of fashion and had become hand me down plants.
I do still find them growing in abandon areas where it thrives along drain sides and roadsides - growing lushly without anyone caring for it. It is also sad to see that they are also be a tender plant when exposed to harsh elements the foliage is all but damaged - infested with pest and sunburned and the plant trying it's best to survive.
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For other basic information of plant Care and Different Types of Callisia Species:
Different Types of Callisia Species
Hi James! I'm so glad you posted about this plant! I used to have several of them, but now I have only one. This plant is very popular and loved in Russia for its medicinal qualities. Many people grow it for the purpose of making a medicinal solution which is used to treat different conditions including skin diseases. I tried it myself and saw good results in healing bruises, for example.
ReplyDeleteCallisia f. is widely used in Eastern Europe, China and Vietnam.
Thanks again! I need to propagate my plant. Every time my sister from Russia visits me, she makes Callisia f. solution for me.
Hi Tatyana,
ReplyDeleteWow! I really didn't know that. Thank you so much for this information. Mostly these were considered as an ornamental plant only and often found growing without care by the roadside.
I don't find many people cultivate this particular plant very much incomparison to other types of Callisias.