Mitraria coccinea — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Mitraria coccinea

Mitraria Coccinea

Updated · 79 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Mitraria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, comprising the sole species M. coccinea (Chilean mitre flower). It is a woody climbing plant, native of the temperate rain forests of Chile. It is also cultivated as a garden plant in cool, moist areas, scrambling over the ground and climbing trees to 25 feet (7.6 m) at Arduaine Garden in Argyll, Scotland. The very attractive scarlet-orange tubular flowers are borne in late spring and summer.

A note from PlantMom

The Chilean mitre flower is resistant to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. The Chilean mitre flower is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much experience in plant care.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Mitraria Coccinea.

Light

Chilean mitre flower grows best with abundant sunlight but can also tolerate lower light levels. Coming from habitats with plenty of daylight, its growth and health are improved by those conditions. Too much or too little light can stunt the plant's growth or cause the leaves to become discolored.

Water

The Chilean mitre flower flourishes in humid woodlands, where it prefers consistently moist soil and can tolerate only brief dry spells. To keep the plant healthy, it should be watered weekly. Its evergreen nature helps it retain moisture throughout the year, making the Chilean mitre flower an excellent choice for outdoor areas that receive both rainwater and regular irrigation.

Temperature

The Chilean mitre flower is indigenous to areas with mild to warm temperatures, flourishing in the 59 to 100 °F (15 to 38 ℃) range. In colder months, it's important to make sure the plant's environment does not fall below that range.

Fertilizer

The timing of fertilizing the Chilean mitre flower is important. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.

Pruning

The Chilean mitre flower is known for its bright red tubular blooms and climbing growth pattern. To keep this plant healthy and vibrant, pruning should be done in early spring. This helps by removing dead stems, enhancing air circulation, and encouraging new growth. Balanced pruning also promotes a more attractive shape and stimulates abundant blooms for the next season.

Pot & Repot

Repotting the Chilean mitre flower, a bushy climbing plant, in the spring can revitalize its growth. This plant benefits from being repotted every two years due to its moderate growth rate. Choose a medium-sized pot to ensure there is enough space for its roots to spread comfortably. After repotting, keep the soil moist and place the plant in a location with partial sunlight. Be sure to handle the Chilean mitre flower with care to protect its delicate roots.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Vine
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Mitraria
Family
Gesneriaceae
Hardiness Zone
8-11
Mature Height
2.13 m
Mature Spread
2.13 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Red
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 4.06 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Scarlet mitrepod
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Chilean mitre flower?

To ensure excellent root development, consider placing a garden hose at the base of the plant. Avoid spraying the leaves directly, and keep in mind that outdoor plants in direct sunlight may need more water. Using bubblers or soaker hoses can effectively moisten the roots. When adding or removing plants, utilize soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed to encourage deep root growth. Remember to drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Watering at ground level helps prevent diseases. On sunny days, consider spraying the entire bush with water. Whether potted or in-ground, it is important to give the Chilean mitre flower deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Chilean mitre flower?

Fertilizing a Chilean mitre flower is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps the flower produce beautiful blooms. To achieve this, it is recommended to fertilize in early spring. Not only does fertilizer enhance the flower's appearance, but it also provides the necessary energy during its dormant growth phases. By adding extra nutrients during fall planting or late spring, the Chilean mitre flower can store more energy to use when it resumes active growth.

What are the sunlight requirements for Chilean mitre flower?

Chilean mitre flower requires full sun, meaning it thrives in conditions where it receives above 6 hours of sunlight per day. It can also grow under partial sun, which accounts for about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's crucial to observe the movement of sunlight through your garden to position your plants in spots that ensure they receive the optimal balance of light and shade, promoting their health and growth.

What is the ideal temperature range for the Chilean mitre flower?

The Chilean mitre flower thrives in moderate to warm environments, ideally between 59°F to 100°F (15°C to 38°C). To ensure the health of the plant, it's important to keep its surrounding environment within this temperature range.

What should I do if I give the Chilean mitre flower too much water or too little water?

When a Chilean mitre flower is overwatered, it may show signs such as yellowing, dropping leaves, wilting, and a generally unhealthy appearance. Mushy stems are another indication. When these signs appear, it's best to adjust your watering schedule. On the other hand, wilting could also indicate under watering. In this case, the leaves may become crispy and dry. To address this, check the soil for dryness and provide a thorough watering when needed. Sufficient water will help the Chilean mitre flower recover, although it may still have dry, yellow leaves due to root damage. Once it returns to normal, the yellowing of leaves will cease. When growing this flower indoors, always check the moisture levels in the pot to avoid overwatering. Look out for black spots, and if present, allow the soil to dry out by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be mitigated by transferring the plant to a different pot if discolored and slimy roots are observed. It is important to prevent root rot by avoiding excessively soggy soil. When planting the Chilean mitre flower outdoors, make sure to dig deeper and check the soil's moisture level. If the soil is too dry, it may indicate under watering, so adequate watering is necessary for the plant's recovery.

When should I fertilize my Chilean mitre flower?

Fertilizing the Chilean mitre flower requires proper timing. Using fertilizer too early, while the flower is still dormant, is ineffective and wasteful as it gets washed away by rainwater, causing pollution. For best results, apply the first round of fertilizer in early spring and continue to fertilize once a month until early summer.

What essentials should I know about growing Chilean mitre flower?

The Chilean mitre flower is well-adapted to environments with abundant daylight, crucial for its growth and health. While it can withstand less light, optimal exposure to daylight enhances its development. Inadequate light may result in stunted growth or leaf discoloration. If natural sunlight is insufficient, especially during winter or in darker spaces, artificial lighting can be used to support the plant's growth. LED lights are recommended for their ability to mimic natural light conditions. Depending on the plant's sunlight requirements, you should adjust the wattage, distance, and duration of artificial lighting to suit your plant's specific needs.

Does the Chilean mitre flower have any cold tolerance?

Yes, the Chilean mitre flower has moderate tolerance to low temperatures and can generally withstand conditions above -5°C without needing extra protection. However, if temperatures are expected to fall below -5°C, it's necessary to implement temporary cold protection measures like wrapping the plant with plastic film, fabric, or other materials, which should be removed once temperatures rise again.

How often should I water my Chilean mitre flower?

The Chilean mitre flower prefers deep and infrequent watering, especially when planted in pots. To ensure proper hydration, soak them with a gallon of water each time. Since the soil in pots dries out faster, it's important to water every 3 to 5 days if you live in a cold region. Ideally, water the plant early in the morning when the soil is dry. You can check if watering is needed by assessing the moisture level of the top 2-3 inches of soil. When it's dry, give the plant a thorough watering. During hot days, monitor the moisture daily as the heat can quickly dry out the soil in the pot. For garden plants, irrigation of the soil is essential. In hot climates, a weekly watering is sufficient. Only water when you observe that the top 2 to 3 inches of soil have become too dry. Take into account the amount of rainfall the plant receives and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. If there is ample rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. The Chilean mitre flower typically grows during spring and fall. When grown outdoors, consider adding a layer of mulch that is 3 to 4 inches deep to conserve moisture. Sandy soil drains quickly, so plants in such soil should be watered more frequently. On the other hand, clay soil retains moisture better, allowing for less frequent watering. Keep track of watering dates on a calendar and be attentive to any drooping leaves, as this may indicate the need for watering.

When is it not a good idea to add fertilizer to my Chilean mitre flower?

To ensure optimal blooming, it is important to be mindful of the fertilizer used for Chilean mitre flower. Avoid high levels of nitrogen, as this can result in excessive foliage growth but few blooms. Instead, choose fertilizers with lower levels of nitrogen compared to other nutrients. Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from fertilizing after early autumn, as this can lead to excessive growth before winter. Avoid fertilizing during hot and dry periods, as dry soil does not effectively deliver fertilizer and can stimulate growth that requires more water, which may not be available. It is best to apply fertilizer earlier in the season when temperatures are cooler. Lastly, be cautious of inadvertently giving nearby plants or lawns a double-dose of fertilizer, as Chilean mitre flowers can absorb fertilizer from their surroundings.

What are the symptoms of light deficiency or excess in Chilean mitre flower?

When Chilean mitre flowers receive insufficient light, they may exhibit symptoms such as smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and lighter-colored or pale new leaves. Excessive sunlight can lead to chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These symptoms are indicative of either too much or too little light, affecting the plant's ability to perform photosynthesis and maintain its health.

What should I do if the temperature drops below -10°C?

When temperatures fall below -10°C, Chilean mitre flower leaves may start to droop, and in severe cases, leaves will wilt and eventually fall off. If this happens, you should trim off the frost-damaged parts of the plant. To prevent future damage, wrap the plant with materials such as non-woven fabric or cloth before the cold season, and consider setting up a wind barrier for additional protection.

PLATES
Mitraria coccinea leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Mitraria coccinea leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Mitraria coccinea flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Mitraria coccinea flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Mitraria coccinea habit
PLATE 05 · habit