Perilepta

Family. Acanthaceae.

Origin. Burma.

Description. Perilepta is an evergreen perennial ornamental deciduous shrub with erect stems. Young stems are pubescent. The leaves are lanceolate, up to 10 cm long, on short petioles, the lower surface of the leaf blade is purple. On the upper surface, the veins are highlighted in dark green, and the space between them is white, pink or lilac, depending on the age of the leaves. In the warm season, the plant produces small purple flowers, but the flowering is not of particular interest.

Height. In indoor conditions, it is regulated by pruning.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Perilepta is kept all year round at a moderately warm temperature - about 18° C. The plant does not like extreme heat and, in general, sudden changes in temperature. At temperatures above 21° C, you should increase the air humidity and water more often. 

Lighting

Well-lit location without direct sunlight. Tolerates partial shade well.

Care

Too long and weak stems should be cut to give the bush a compact shape. The tops of young shoots are regularly pinched so that the plant branches abundantly and looks thicker. In late spring and summer, if possible, put the pot outside, choosing a place protected from wind and rain, for example, on a terrace or balcony.

Substrate

Suitable soil consisting of peat, leaf humus, with the addition of sand. Good drainage is necessary.

Feeding

With the beginning of growth, feed with liquid fertilizers 2 times a month. In winter, fertilizing can be done monthly.

Purpose

A valuable ornamental foliage plant that is rarely found on sale.

Flowering time

Spring Summer. 

Air humidity

Perilepta likes high humidity - use a room humidifier or a tray with water. Mist the leaves in the morning, providing a place with sufficient air circulation. Keep the bush away from window and door openings where there may be cold drafts, and do not place it near heat sources.

Soil moisture

Water generously until the soil ball is completely wet. These plants do not tolerate drought, but they also fear excess water. The top layer of soil about 3 cm thick should dry out before the next watering. In winter, the soil should dry out to almost half its depth if the asthenia is kept in a cool place. Do not water with too cold or hard tap water.

Transfer

Perilepta is often grown as an annual and discarded in the second year. If you keep it as a perennial, repot the plant each spring in fresh soil, increasing the pot size if necessary.

Reproduction

They are propagated quite easily by semi-woody stem cuttings 8-10 cm long, taken during pruning in spring and summer. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings, and the bases are dipped in root-forming powder. Young seedlings are covered with glass to maintain humidity and kept warm - at a temperature of about 20 °C. Rooting occurs within 1.5 months. Rarely propagated by seeds.

Pests and diseases

Leaves fall off when there is a sharp change in air temperature, and dry out when there is insufficient air humidity. When watering with cold water, spots appear on the leaves. Leaf blades become soft and stems become thin when water stagnates - the plant rots. The lower leaves fall off when exposed to cold drafts.

The main flower pests are spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. 

Note

Perilepta can live indoors for several years, but with age the color of the leaves fades, and adult specimens stretch out. They are replaced with a new bush obtained using cuttings.