No tracking. No cookies. No ads. Privacy-first
bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) is the sweet spot. A filtered south- or west-facing window works well. Direct midday sun will scorch the soft leaves and cause brown patches. If using grow lights, position them 8 to 10 inches above the plant and run for 12 hours a day.Light
Keep the soil evenly moist (never soggy) once new growth emerges in spring and throughout flowering. Use room-temperature water only - cold water on tropical roots causes shock and can set the plant back significantly. If you let the soil dry completely during the growing season, the plant will interpret it as a signal to go dormant early. Stop watering completely in fall once the stems start yellowing naturally.Water
Aim for 40 to 50% relative humidity minimum. A pebble tray with water works well. Do not mist this plant - the soft, slightly fuzzy leaves trap water droplets and develop dark spots and fungal issues as a result.Humidity
Ideal range is 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). Tolerates down to about 55°F (12°C) but performs poorly. Above 80°F (27°C), flower buds start to shrivel and drop. Keep away from heat vents in summer.Temperature
moderateDifficulty
Magic Flower plant

Magic Flower

Achimenes hybrids

Moderate

Achimenes is a rhizomatous perennial that puts on an incredible flower show all summer, producing pansy-like blooms in purples, pinks, reds, whites, and yellows, then politely disappears underground for the winter. It has been a houseplant since at least 1778, predating the African violet by over a century, though it is far less famous than it deserves to be. The tiny rhizomes look like little pinecones, which is a detail that never stops being charming.

Magic Flower plant
Alcasardasevil via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Magic Flower plant
Alcasardasevil via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Care Guide

How to grow Magic Flower

Light

bright indirect light (3-6 feet

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist

Humidity

50%

Temperature

Ideal range is 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C).

Soil

A light, fast-draining mix is essential.

Propagation

Rhizome division is the easiest method.

Common Problems

Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Achimenes have been cultivated as houseplants since 1778, which makes them older as a houseplant than African violets by more than 100 years.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

No reported toxicity in any Achimenes species to cats, dogs, or humans. The plant is not edible and there is no reason to encourage snacking on it, but it is not considered dangerous.

Sources

  1. Achimenes - Pacific Bulb Society (opens in new tab)Reference
  2. Achimenes — Pacific Bulb Society (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. How to Care for Achimenes Indoors - Guide to Houseplants (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. How to Care for Achimenes Indoors — Guide to Houseplants (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Achimenes - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
  6. Achimenes — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
Copied to clipboard