Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
Columnea Broget Sport is an eye-catching tropical trailing plant known for its colorful variegated foliage and bright tubular flowers. Its cascading stems carry glossy leaves patterned with contrasting shades of green, cream, yellow, and lighter variegation, giving the plant plenty of interest even when it is not blooming. When mature and grown in favorable conditions, it can produce the characteristic orange to red flowers associated with Goldfish Plants, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, shelves, and bright indoor displays.
The plant is commonly sold as Columnea ‘Broget Sport’. The term “sport” generally refers to a naturally occurring variation that developed from another cultivated plant and was then propagated to preserve its distinctive characteristics. Columnea belongs to the Gesneriaceae family, making it a relative of African Violets, Episcia, and other popular tropical flowering houseplants.
Columnea Broget Sport does best in bright, indirect light. The variegated foliage benefits from plenty of filtered light to maintain its strongest coloration, and good light also encourages flowering. Avoid prolonged harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the lighter portions of the leaves.
Water when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain. Columnea prefers lightly and consistently moist soil during active growth but should never remain soggy or waterlogged. Avoid allowing the plant to stay completely dry for extended periods.
Use a light, airy and well-draining potting mix in a container with drainage. A mixture containing quality houseplant soil or coco coir, perlite, and fine orchid bark works well. A loose African Violet-style potting mix can also provide the combination of moisture retention and airflow that Columnea prefer.
Columnea Broget Sport prefers warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity. Consistent warmth and additional humidity can encourage lush foliage and healthy flowering. Good airflow remains important in higher-humidity environments, and protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
This plant has a trailing and cascading growth habit and is especially well suited for hanging baskets or elevated shelves. Pinching or lightly pruning longer stems can encourage additional branching and create a fuller plant. Because this is a sport selection, variegation may occasionally vary between stems. If completely green growth begins to dominate the plant, it can be pruned back to help maintain the variegated appearance.
Columnea Broget Sport is generally considered pet-friendly and non-toxic to cats and dogs. As with any houseplant, eating large amounts of foliage or flowers may still cause mild digestive upset, so it is best to discourage pets from chewing on the plant.
Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
