This is a rare look at Moussonia papillosa from cloud forests of southern Mexico.  This beautiful Gesneriad forms a surprisingly large bush with awesome, oversized leaves that are fuzzy and soft.  The pinkish-orange blooms are 1½ inches long and appear all throughout the year.  This is a choice collector's plant that is very rare in cultivation.  It might not be available elsewhere online.

Moussonia papillosa (formerly Kohleria papillosa) is a woody bush that grows vigorously to about 5 feet tall and wide.  It may be pruned to any size that is convenient.  Its large, 6 inch leaves are covered on both sides with downy-soft hairs that feel like a rabbit's ear!  The flaring, tubular blooms are similar to my Moussonia elegans except with more of a pinkish tinge (which my camera doesn't capture well).  The leaves are also fuzzier than Moussonia elegans.

Since it is new to cultivation, i have no information on its climate tolerances.  It thrives here in San Francisco, where temperatures are usually below 80°F, and nights are cool.  It's possible that it won't thrive if temperatures regularly get above the low 80s (28°C) and nights are warm (above 64°F / 18°C).  It probably can survive a few degrees of frost since it spreads from underground rhizomes.  Still, i recommend protecting it from frost.  It grows well in a pot in fertile, well-draining soil that's kept evenly moist.  It prefers filtered sunlight; protect it from strong, direct sun.  Over about 40% humidity is best for this cloudforest species.  In the right conditions, it is an easy and very decorative plant.

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Germination tips for this plant