Dicliptera

Family. Acanthaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description.  Dicliptera is a herbaceous perennial with ovoid, velvety pubescent, gray-green leaves up to 6 cm long. In summer it blooms with red-orange long tubular flowers, which appear in abundance at the top of the plant in axillary inflorescences - racemes.

Height. 45 - 60 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the warmer months, normal room temperature will do. In winter, place the plant in a well-lit place with a temperature of at least 8 - 15 ° C.

Lighting

Grows well in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.

Care

The bush will appreciate being outdoors during the warm season. Place it in a place protected from wind and rain. After flowering, trim the stems to maintain a compact shape.

Substrate

Well drained and nutritious.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, feed the dicliptera twice a month with complex liquid fertilizers.

Flowering time

From July to September, the flowering period is long.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying.

Soil moisture

Quite drought-resistant species, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. It is enough to dry the upper part of the soil between waterings.

Transplant

In the spring, as it grows and if necessary, change the substrate.

Reproduction

Cuttings root easily in water; in addition, this flower forms a large number of layers.

Pests and diseases

Rare. The plant may shed some of its leaves if there is a lack of moisture.