Diastema

Diastema is a genus of about 21 species in the Gesneriaceae family native to southern Mexico, throughout Central America into northern South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and northern Bolivia). Plants are summer growing and winter dormant, pulling back to "scaly rhizomes" that are distinctive to some genera of the Gesneriaceae. Only about half a dozen species are available in cultivation. They respond well to fertilization during growth. After a period of growth an flowering, the plants produce rhizomes that are often formed below the soil, but sometimes smaller sized rhizomes may also appear on stems or leaves above the soil. During dormancy, the rhizomes should be kept dry in moderate temperatures until started back into growth in late winter or spring. When stored cool with higher air humidity, the rhizomes do not need extra water, but when stored in a heated space, a touch of supplemental water to keep the soil from going completely dry is recommended. Growers of the genus noted that the rhizomes perform best when left in their pots during dormancy.

See all the Diastema species together, go to the overview page.

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Diastema species
D. RedFalls	D. comiferum	D. latiflora	D. vexans