About
Aphelandra squarrosa is a small, tender evergreen shrub that typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 2 meters. It features robust stems and elongated dark green leaves that can grow up to 30 centimeters in length, characterized by prominent white, silver, or yellow veins and midribs. The plant produces terminal flower spikes, measuring up to 20 centimeters, adorned with waxy yellow blossoms and bracts that have a maroon tint. Flowering occurs sporadically throughout the year.
About the genus
Aphelandra are evergreen shrubs characterized by their opposite, simple leaves, which may be elegantly veined or adorned with silver patterns. They produce dense terminal spikes of tubular flowers that have two lips, surrounded by vibrant bracts.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Sub-tropical
- Native to
- Brazil
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite, in bright, indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks in summer and monthly in winter. Reduce watering in winter. See houseplant cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- After flowering, cut back the main stems to a strong pair of leaves to encourage side shoots
- Propagation
- Propagate after flowering by cutting back the main stem to a stong pair of leaves to encourage side shoots. When these are 8-10cm (3-4in) long, detach and root
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free