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 Blooming
Plant
of the month
aphelandra
(printable
PDF)
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BOTANICAL
Aphelandra squarrosa
(af-el-AN-druh skwah-RO-sa)
COMMON NAME
Zebra plant
DESCRIPTION
Aphelandras are compact plants that grow up to 3 feet tall and 2
feet wide. They have white-veined, glossy green foliage and
flower spikes at the stem ends.
COLORS
The colors of Aphelandras’ flowers vary depending on the
species. The most popular species, A. squarrosa, has yellow or
golden flowers. There are also species with orange-scarlet,
scarlet and pink flowers.
CONSUMER LIFE
Aphelandras will begin flowering when the plants are only a few
months old. They typically bloom from late summer through fall.
With proper care, the plants will bloom continuously for several
months.
 AVAILABILITY
Aphelandras are available year-round.
IN-STORE AND CONSUMER CARE
LIGHT Bright, indirect light
is best for Aphelandras that are displayed indoors.
WATER Keep the compost moist
at all times with soft, tepid water, but do not allow it to
become waterlogged. Water in the early part of the day. Avoid
standing water on the foliage. Reduce watering in winter.
TEMPERATURE Aphelandras are
sensitive to low temperatures. The plants will do best if
nighttime temperatures are maintained at 65 F to 75 F and
daytime temperatures average
75 F.
HUMIDITY Aphelandras need
moderate to high humidity. Mist the leaves frequently.
FERTILIZER Fertilized plants
are more tolerant of insect attacks. Be sure plants are watered
well before applying fertilizer.
SOIL These plants thrive in
a potting mixture that has equal parts of loam, peat moss and
sand.
GROOMING Do not pinch off
the tips of the shoots. The idea is to produce one stem with one
large spike of flowers. Cut these plants back when they have
finished flowering to remove straggly branches and faded
blossoms. Trimming also will stimulate new, healthy growth.
TOXICITY These plants can be
toxic if eaten. Keep them out of the reach of children or pets.
Handling them may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
CHALLENGES
ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY
Aphelandras are sensitive to ethylene gas. Check with your
supplier to make sure your plants have been treated with an
ethylene inhibitor at the grower or transportation level.
BROWN LEAF TIPS Low air
humidity is usually the cause.
LOSS OF LEAVES This may be
caused by dryness at the roots, cold air, too much sun or
drafts.
PESTS Check the plants
frequently for aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. Control them
with insecticidal soap.
FUN FACTS
WHAT’S IN A NAME The genus
name “Aphelandra” comes from the Greek name for “simple anther,”
the pollen-bearing part of the stamen.
FAMILY Aphelandras are
members of the Acanthaceae (Acanthus) family. Relatives include
firecracker flower (Crossandra), black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia)
and shrimp plant (Justicia).
ORIGINS The plants are
native to the tropical Americas, especially Brazil.
Some information provided by:
University of Florida,
http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/research.asp
Dave’s Garden,
http://davesgarden.com
Botany.com,
www.botany.com/aphelandra.html
The Chain of Life Network®,
www.chainoflifenetwork.org
The New House Plant Expert, by Dr. D.G. Hessayon
Photos courtesy of The John Henry Company
You may reach “Blooming Plant of the Month” writer Steven W.
Brown, AIFD, at
sbfloral@aol.com or by phone at (415) 239-3140.
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