I hate to play favourites, but it is so hard not to when you have a plant like this (Please don’t tell my other plants). I can hardly pass up a rare plant when the price is right. That is why when I laid my eyes on this plant that looked liked it would be on the set of Star Trek, I couldn’t help bringing it home with me. Syngonanthus chyrsanthus aka Mikado, looks out of this world with its golden flower buds and long thin flower stalks. Interesting fact: There are only 2 companies in the whole world that have selling rights to these plants.
Mikado, a native plant of Brazil is found naturally growing in swamps. They grow well in warm tropical temperatures which makes them great as indoor plants. One thing they love though is humidity… lots of it. It is best to keep the humidity level between 60-70% which may be more than you could provide indoors. You can increase the humidity around the plant by placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles, or grouping plants together. Better yet, you could place soaked moss between the container it is in and a decorative pot. You could also keep them in a bathroom or kitchen as they tend to be humid than most rooms in the rest of the house.
I haven’t done so yet, but I plan to set mine up as I did Benji, my fly trap, that is, placing it on wet pebbles in a tall glass vase. This way the evaporating water can keep the environment around the plant humid. The plant has to be kept moist at all times as drier conditions will cause the plant to wilt. It is has to be a fine balance of moisture to prevent fungal growth.
Mikado prefer acidic soil that is airy enough but can also hold on to moisture. According to Anthura (one of the companies that own the patent), it is best to water the plant from the bottom of the pot rather than from above. If you wish to add fertilizer, you should water from the bottom, otherwise you can water from the top with fertiliser-free clean water. They prefer bright but indirect sunlight. This I can provide in the spring and summer time in my home. Come winter, I will have to substitute the right amount of light with some artificial lighting,
Mikado does not grow very big so 4 inch pots are ideal. The plant is shaped like a rosette, and to me looks like an airplant. The flower stalks shoot out from the center of the rosette. The buds are a beautiful golden colour which at first I thought could not be real. They look like giant pins and oh did I mention how beautiful they are? The buds open up to reveal beautiful fluffy button-like flowers.
Mikado, unfortunately is susceptible to pests such as aphids and fungus. Mikado is such a rare specimen and hard to find. If you are a plant collector of all things weird, rare, or unique, this is the plant for you. If you have a Mikado, please share pictures and/or care tips below.
Barbara
Hi, I’m Barbara and I’m a little obsessed with house plants. I share my house plant adventures in the hopes of inspiring you to continue to enjoy the greens in your home. And if you have no plants (yet!) I hope this blog inspires you to add some green to your home. So go on! Try it! I think you might quite like it. And who knows? You may end up being … obsessed too.
Sara
Hi,
How can I save my stressed Mikado? How is yours now?
I really need help.
Regards
24 . Aug . 2020Sara
Barbara
Hi Sara, its dead. Unfortunately.
08 . Jan . 2021ZELJKA
I get it today, its a gift from my husband, today we are 32. years married. It is a beauty plant, i will take care off it.
12 . Apr . 2018Alice
I have such strong plant envy! I saw this blog post 2 years ago when I was first getting into plants, and put the Mikado on the top of my list of what to get … now that I’m plant obsessed and competent enough to not kill it, I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
27 . Nov . 2017Angie
Hi, great site thank you for the info. I came across this stunning plant in my local garden centre in the Algarve and was quite struck by it but did not buy it. When I came home I looked it up and decided I had to have it so called my mum who lives closer to the garden centre and she popped in and bought it for me. Can you tell me what other plants would look nice with it in the pebble tray?
22 . Apr . 2016Thank you
Angie
Green Obsessions » Blog Archive » My Favourite Spot in Westboro|Flowers Talk Tivoli
[…] that really hard-to-find house plant you’ve been looking for (like the Hindu rope plant or mikado). That is what I love about this place. What kind of flower shop would you expect from a florist […]
13 . Jul . 2015Sharon
This plant is very interesting looking. Almost like grass but those flowers are breathtaking. Never seen this plant before but would love to have one
20 . Apr . 2015Barbara
Yes Sharon. It’s a very interesting plant
20 . Apr . 2015dellob
Hi, So very nice..Mine has lots of buds but know flowers yet…Thanks for Sharing..
20 . Apr . 2015Michelle
I just brought this one home. Hope I can keep it happy and healthy!
27 . Mar . 2015Barbara
That is beautiful Michelle. I find it likes a lot of humidity so keep it on a tray or jar filled with pebbles and water if you do not have a humid area in your home. All the best with your Mikado and thanks for sharing!
28 . Mar . 2015Rebecca
Hello….I purchased this little beauty along with 2 types of Pitchers and a Fly Trap on Monday…So excited to have them….You speak about Fungus, how would I know if I had fungus?? How would I deal with it along with Aphids?? I researched them through the winter so I knew what would be good for my area and I’m hoping these are going to be good…Thanks so much for all the good info…R.Odell
27 . Mar . 2015Barbara
Hi Rebecca,
27 . Mar . 2015Glad you were able to get those plants. Pitcher plants are on my wish list!
Mikado likes humid areas so growing it in a humid area may promote fungus growth. You would notice white stuff (mold) on the top of your soil. Usually these are not harmful, but can become unsightly. I get rid of them by scooping a few centimetres off the top soil and replacing with fresh soil. Some say adding cinnamon as well to the top soil deters their growth. I have tried this but cant say that it works 100%. I haven’t encountered aphids, thankfully, but this website has good information on what they are and how to get rid of them http://houseplants.about.com/od/pests/a/Aphids.htm Hope that helps.
dellob
Thanks so much for the info…
27 . Mar . 2015Adorablest
Just lovely! I’d never heard of this plant, thanks for sharing 🙂 Looks a little like Armeria with its adorable tufty leaves, but it’s no where near as rare as your Mikado. Congrats!
22 . Mar . 2015Barbara
Thanks Adorablest. I love finding rare plants!
22 . Mar . 2015Peter/Outlaw
How interesting! I thought it was a tillandsia until you showed the flowers. There’s nothing like the thrill of finding something new and unusual to add to one’s collection! Happy new plant to you!
20 . Mar . 2015Barbara
Thanks Peter. I am so happy with my new find! I love finding rare and interesting-looking plants.
20 . Mar . 2015