The plants in this category are "cousins" to the African violet, which is also a gesneriad.

Commonly called "dancing dolphins" or "Shark Plant" because of the interesting bloom shape. Columnea flowers come in striking shades of red, orange, yellow and combinations of these colors, and most varieties will make nice hanging basket plants. South and west windows are best for compact growth. Requirements for artificial lighting is 12 to 14 hours daily. Baskets may be grown outdoors in shaded areas during the summer. Let soil become slightly dry between waterings. Use a light porous potting mix. Feed plants regularly, using a well balanced fertilizer, at ¼ tsp. per gallon of water, with every watering. Fertilizer may be increased to ½ to 1 full tsp. per gallon of water during spring and summer, when plants are actively growing, depending upon the size of the plant. (Larger plants can handle more fertilizer.)