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Aeschynanthus longicaulis, Aeschynanthus marmoratus
Zebra Basket VineFamily: Gesneriaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia
Aeschynanthus longicaulis, commonly referred to as Zebra Basket Vine, is a unique, semi-evergreen, perennial, flowering vine native to Southeast Asia. It is an ornamental climber with the eye-catching glossy green foliage, marked with an unmistakable maroon central venation pattern which gives the plant its distinct zebra-like stripe. This tropical vine is perfect to be grown in most climates as an evergreen wall cover or climber on overhead structures.
While growing in its native tropical climates, its preferred position is semi-shade, such as on side of a building or under a tree. However, in cooler zones, the Aeschynanthus longicaulis can successfully be grown in pots and moved indoors in winter, providing they are kept warm. The caring and growing requirements of Aeschynanthus longicaulis are quite simple and easy to follow. It requires regular water in a well drained soil and should be fed with a balanced liquid fertilizer a few times during the growing season.
The Aeschynanthus longicaulis performs best in USDA Hardiness Zone 9 to 11. Given the right conditions and growing requirements, it will attractively bloom in summer with unusual small, tubular flowers in attractive shades of pink, yellow and orange. Combining its attractive foliage and interesting blooms, it's not difficult to see why this vine can make a lovely addition to virtually any garden.
Overall, Aeschynanthus longicaulis offers an unusual color combination and eye-pleasing ornamental foliage and flowers, making it a great container plant for patios and terraces and an ideal choice for planting along walls and trellises. The Zebra Basket Plant, if provided with sufficient indirect sunlight and regular water, will surely make a wonderful show because of its stunning foliage and extraordinary bloom.
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