When a friend sent me a strange-looking creeping rhizome labeled tydaea, it seemed that the loosely put-together little white tuber could never produce a spark of life.
But, I planted it ½” inch deep in a light mixture of sand, peat, and good loam.
The soil was moistened, and I set the pot away in a dark cupboard.
This was really too warm for an ideal location, but it was the coolest spot I had. That was in mid-November.
Once a week, the pot was inspected, and usually, a light spraying of warm rain water was given—just enough to keep the tuber from drying out.
On January 3, the new growth was about ¼” inch high, so the pot was set on a table near a south window.
The sun’s intensity here in the South is very different from a southern exposure in the North.
Growing Variety Isoloma
Delicate leaves do not burn, in fact, I have grown African violets in unprotected south windows all year in Arkansas.
In that location, this plant stayed until the first blossom appeared on June 8, when it was moved to a north window near my desk where I could enjoy its beauty.
There it gets lots of unshaded light but no sun.
As soon as it blossomed, I was anxious to know the correct name and found that tydaea is now known as Isoloma and that it is closely allied to the following:
- African violet
- Gloxinia
- Achimenes
- Gesneria
Isoloma Characteristics
Because of variations and hybridization in cultivation, the names of this group are much more confused, so I am not too sure whether my plant would be considered amabile or a hybrid of that species since it is upright and has clear green leaves.
When these are very young reddish hairs, cover the surface, especially the tips of the leaves.
The pendent blossoms with 5 rounded lobes are 2″ inches long and 1 ½” inches wide.
They are dark purplish rose outside and inside on a light ground velvety dots of the darker color are quite close together.
In fact, there are so many dots on the top two lobes that the effect is one of almost solid color.
Whatever the name, it produces lots of blossoms over a long period, has attractive foliage, and is as happy in its northern exposure as it was during its sojourn in the south window.
My plant likes to be moist but not wet, and occasional fine spraying of water at room temperature seems to be appreciated for it then takes on that “new” look a well-cared the plant has.
This plant makes a welcome addition to the summer window garden, giving both variety and newness at a time of the year when they are most welcome.