Tropaeolum speciosum aka Flame Nasturtium

Taxonomy

Tropaeolum speciosum, also known as the flame flower or flame nasturtium, is a slender herbaceous climber native to Chile. It belongs to the family Tropaeolaceae and is locally referred to as coralito, quintralito, or voqui. This rare houseplant can reach a height of 3m and has long fleshy rhizomes. Its rounded leaves are composed of 5-7 obovate leaflets. The plant produces striking, bright scarlet flowers measuring 2cm in width, which have long spurs. After flowering, indigo blue berries are formed, held within red sepals. To thrive, the flame flower requires regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light, preferably positioned within 1 foot of a window. It prefers well-draining soil and benefits from the addition of a gentle, organic fertilizer during its peak growing season.

Common names

Flame Nasturtium, Scottish Flameflower, Chilean Flame Creeper, Flame Flower, Coralito

How to care for Flame Nasturtium

Water

Flame Nasturtium should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Flame Nasturtium loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Flame Nasturtium requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Quintralito is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.


More info:
Wikipedia