Strobilanthes

Family. Acanthaceae.

Origin. Grows in the wetlands of Madagascar and tropical Asia.

Description. The genus "strobilanthes" includes 250 species of evergreen or deciduous perennial shrubs with erect, highly branched stems. Long pointed leaves up to 15 cm long and about 5 cm wide, dark green with a silvery-purple hue, are located on petioles 3 cm long. Unfortunately, with age, the color of the foliage becomes less bright - old specimens look untidy, and the leaves become silvery with age, dark veins appear. The edges of the leaf blades often have small teeth. Blue flowers appear in the summer, but they pale in comparison with the magnificent foliage. As soon as the flower stalks appear, they are often removed, as they weaken the bush.

Height. It develops quite quickly and at the age of 2 years reaches forty centimeters in height. After this, the bush loses its attractiveness and should be replaced with a new seedling.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature will do. In winter, keep the plant cool, but at temperatures above 13 ° C.

Lighting

Place the strobilanthes in a well-lit area, but away from the summer sun. Lack of light affects the color of the leaves, but exposure to direct sunlight can cause burns.

Care

Strobilanthes is not a very demanding genus. The plant is pruned to maintain a bushy, compact form and to support abundant branching. The stems are cut at an angle, just above the leaf node.

Substrate

Well-drained, loose, with a sufficient content of organic matter, for example in the form of leaf humus.

Feeding

Apply regular fertilizing with liquid fertilizer every two weeks from May to September. 

Purpose

Strobilanthes will look great in a light pot that will highlight its dark foliage.

Flowering time

The bushes rarely bloom indoors, and the flowers are not of much interest, so they are often removed.

Air humidity

Moderate air humidity in the room (about 40 - 50%). It is better to grow strobilanthes in a pot, which is placed on a tray with damp pebbles or using a room humidifier. It is not advisable to spray foliage. Place the plant away from heating devices. 

Soil moisture

In summer, water generously, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering and let the plant rest for about 3 months.

Transfer

In spring, and only if the roots look out through the drainage holes of the pot. In other cases, the plant is simply replaced with a fresh one. 

Reproduction

Propagated by cuttings 7 - 10 cm long, cut just below the leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip it in rooting powder. Rooting is carried out in a damp mixture of peat and sand. Cover the pot with glass to maintain humidity and keep in a bright place out of direct sunlight. When new growth appears, remove the glass. 

Pests and diseases

Strobilanthes leaves fade when there is a lack of light or heat. Brown, dried leaves are caused by too dry indoor air.

Among the harmful insects, the flower can be annoyed by spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. 

Note

The bushes are replaced with young seedlings aged 2 years.