Beloperone

Family. Acanthaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Beloperone drip is an evergreen tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 m in height with thin vertical branches. Grown for its very decorative flowers and long flowering. The leaves, 2 - 3 cm long, are oval, green and slightly pubescent. The inflorescence is a dense, drooping spike. The bracts are heart-shaped, reddish-brown, pink or yellow, up to 2 cm long, almost completely hiding the white flowers protruding between them and blooming in turn. It blooms continuously throughout the growing season, which lasts as long as 10 months.

Beloperone variegata, in addition to attractive and long-lasting flowering, has beautiful variegated leaves - dark green with white, yellow or cream specks and spots. Young, newly emerging leaves can be completely pure white. Popular as a houseplant.

Height. Up to 1.5 m.

Care at home

Reproduction 

Cuttings 5 ​​- 8 cm long in spring, long-term rooting in a mixture of equal parts of peat and coarse sand or perlite. Cover the planted cuttings with a plastic cap and keep them on a well-lit windowsill, water sparingly.

Soil

With the addition of one third of peat, fertile, moist, well-drained soil.

When it blooms 

From spring to autumn for 10 months.

How to care

Pinch out young shoots to ensure a dense crown and abundant flowering. Mature plants are cut back to half their height annually after flowering to maintain a compact shape.

Transplant 

Into larger pots every spring. For mature plants, it is enough to change the top layer of soil every year. 

Diseases and pests

If overwatered, the leaves may turn yellow. Leaves fall due to drought and also due to excessive watering. Beloperone is susceptible to fungal leaf spot and rust. Provide adequate air circulation and water the plants in the morning, when the soil can dry out during the day. With a lack of nutrients, the leaves turn pale. The plant drops buds when there is insufficient light.  The tips of the leaves dry out when there is insufficient air humidity.

Among harmful insects, whiteflies and spider mites may appear. Curled leaves of beloperone indicate possible damage to the plant by aphids. 

Feeding 

During the period of active growth from late winter to early autumn, once every two weeks. 

Watering 

Water sparingly - just enough to maintain soil moisture, but allow the top layer to dry out between waterings.

Lighting 

Bright light with direct sunlight in the morning and evening is critical for flowering. 

Temperature

Typically room temperature is ideal for this plant, but the heat will cause the stems to become soft. The recommended temperature in winter is 15 - 18 ° C. During the dormant period, plants overwinter in a cool, dry room, and watering is greatly reduced.

Spraying 

No special requirements.

Purpose

Indoor plants with a long flowering period. 

Note

With proper care, it lives up to 10 - 20 years.

Hydroponics

Can be grown hydroponically.