Herbaceous perennial plants from tropical America that are grown primarily for their ornamental foliage; some varieties also possess striking flowers. Warm greenhouse treatment in cooler regions is required. Their name derives from Greek dis, twice, chorizo to part aner anthher, referring to 2-valved anthers (Commelinaceae).
Today’s popular species: Dichorisandra mosaica (2 feet tall), features leaves with white veins and other markings and reddish-purple undersides; flowers bright blue bloom in autumn in Peru.
Dichorisandra pubescens (both 2 and 2.5 foot varieties), bloom blue with variegated forms producing white stripes between them, yielding flowers in blue-and-white combinations in Brazil (var taeniensis variant).
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora grows 4 feet or taller with leaves of dark green and 1 dark blue flower in an 8-inch long spike, blooming summer through autumn in Brazil. But Dichorisandra vittata grows 6-12 inches with purplish-green leaves featuring white stripes for contrast; also from Brazil.
Where and When to Plant Dichorisandra These plants should be potted up in March using a compost made up of equal parts loam, leafmould and peat; plus some silver sand. Pots should then be kept in the warmest part of your greenhouse where winter temperatures should remain between 55-65degF (13-18degC), increasing to 75-85degF (24-29degC) when sunlight requires shading from sun exposure.
Watering should be done regularly from spring through autumn, moderately only in winter and without draughts at all times. Propagation methods include seeds sown in heat in spring; division of plants during March; or cuttings taken almost anytime taken and placed in a propagating case equipped with bottom heat.
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