Leonotis

Family. Lamiaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Leonotis is a large evergreen shrub with velvety-pubescent, branching, erect stems. The leaves are dark green, lanceolate, 5-10 cm long, slightly pubescent, and when damaged they emit a pleasant aroma. The edges of the leaf blades have small teeth. Flowers with a long tube, orange, up to 5 cm in diameter, are collected in several whorls located on different tiers of stems. There is a variety with white flowers.

Height. In the natural environment it develops quickly and reaches 2 m in height; in culture the height is regulated by pruning.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the period of active growth, maintain the temperature at about 20°C; during the dormant period, it is advisable to provide a cooler room with a temperature of 5 to 10°C.

Lighting

A brightly lit location, the bush should receive direct sunlight every day - morning and evening.

Care

The plant requires minimal care and is easy to grow. Regularly pinch out the long stems of the shrub, and in the spring, carry out drastic pruning to form side shoots and give the plant a beautiful, compact shape. Before the dormant period, the stems can also be cut by 10 - 20 cm. The flower will appreciate being in the fresh air protected from the wind in the warm season.  Leonotis stems break very easily, so it should not be placed in aisles.

Substrate

Easily adapts to any type of soil with good drainage and a neutral pH ranging from 6.6 to 7.5.

Feeding

From spring to fall, feed with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. During the dormant period, fertilizing is not carried out. 

Flowering time

During the summer.

Air humidity

If the air in the room becomes too dry, then in the warm season you can spray the shoots and leaves with water at room temperature.

Soil moisture

Watering should be regular, but the soil should dry out between waterings to a depth of 5 - 7 cm. During the dormant period, the frequency of watering is reduced.

Transplant

In spring, since leonotis develops very quickly, replanting should be done annually. For large tub plants, the top 5-7 cm of soil is replaced with fresh soil annually.

Reproduction

Seeds that are sown in the spring. Stem cuttings in spring and summer using rooting powder. 

Pests and diseases

Of the harmful insects, whiteflies and spider mites can attack the flower. 

Note

Leonotis is able to live for many years in culture if it is provided with coolness in the winter.