About

Aphelandra squarrosa 'White Wash' PBR is a small, evergreen shrub commonly cultivated indoors. Its elongated, oval leaves exhibit a deep green hue accented by prominent white veins and a pale wash that can give the foliage a nearly white appearance on certain specimens. The plant may occasionally produce terminal spikes of waxy-yellow blooms, though flowering is infrequent.

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
West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1B

Plant details

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years
Suggested uses
Houseplants

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
No pruning required
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