Crossandra is a genus of flora within the circle of relatives Acanthaceae, comprising 54 species that arise in Africa, Madagascar, Arabia and the Indian subcontinent. Some species, specially Crossandra infundibuliformis, are cultivated for his or her brightly coloured vegetation.
About plant
An amazing lengthy-lasting color plant, crossandra can bloom almost nonstop all 12 months long in the right conditions. In tropical climates, these warmth- and humidity-loving vegetation placed on quite the show with their spikes of brilliant orange, yellow, salmon, or red blooms. They can also make extremely good houseplants with their smooth, deep inexperienced foliage. It appears excellent even if they’re no longer in bloom.
GENUS NAME- Crossandra infundibuliformis
PLANT TYPE– Annual Perennial
HEIGHT– 1 to a few toes
WIDTH– 1 to 2 ft
FLOWER COLOR– Red Orange Pink Yellow
FOLIAGE COLOR– Blue/Green
SEASON FEATURES– Spring Bloom Fall Bloom Summer Bloom
PROPAGATION– Seed Stem Cuttings
Combination of Plant
In northern climates crossandra is called a florist plant. It can make a superb bedding plant within the south. The deep emerald green sleek foliage creates a pretty foil for different plant life to play towards, and the brightly colored orange blooms add splendid color all season long. Unlike many not unusual vegetation, the blooms of crossandra are asymmetrical and pretty one-sided. All the reproductive elements are hidden within the tube of the bloom. So they require particular pollinators to create their seeds. Butterflies are very fond of crossandra and can be found touring them for his or her delicious nectar.
Crossandra, popularly referred to as the firecracker flower, is a tropical subshrub. Its plants are the actual showstopper. They’re regularly salmon or apricot, however can be discovered in sunglasses of yellow, red, or pink. Lush darkish green foliage affords a backdrop which makes the plant life without a doubt shine.
Its care
Partial colour is ideal to your fire cracker flora. Bright, indirect daylight is the favored lighting style. While it may take occasional direct sunlight. It may get burned very hot sun. Indoor growers might also discover that a first-rate grow mild will help them ensure precise lights. This plant’s quite warmth-tolerant, however is sensitive to cool temperatures.
Avoid letting the soil completely dry out for the duration of the developing season. Consistently moist soil is critical to your crossandra plant.
Through the winter months, both indoor and out of doors growers can sluggish down watering.
Humidity can help your flora. Indoors, an occasional light misting will maintain the humidity up round your plant. Placing it on a pebble tray above water will also growth the air moisture. Outdoors, making sure it’s properly-watered and mulched will suffice.
Soil & Fertilizer
Organically-wealthy, well-draining soils are fine for your firecracker flower. Mixes which comprise lots of compost and peat are ideal. Both of those components hold moisture. It allowing extra to go with the flow away. You can use a sandy loam soil as a base whilst lightening it up with peat and compost.
A monthly feeding of a balanced granular fertilizer is suggested for spring and summer season. In fall and wintry weather, reduce the frequency to approximately every different month.
Feed every weeks all through the spring and summer, and each month within the fall and wintry weather.
Troubleshooting
Cold conditions reason troubles to your firecracker vegetation. Temperatures beneath 55 stages can cause leaf discoloration. Too lots less warm, and leaves die returned. It’s on no account frost-hardy. To prevent this issue, convey plant life indoors to a warmer climate. A bloodless frame may assist preserve the temperature above 55 in iciness climate as nicely.
Try to ensure your plant’s direct solar exposure is within the early morning, and provide colour at some stage in the warmth of the day. Maintain a ordinary watering routine.
Pests & Desease
While pest issues in your crossandra vegetation aren’t enormously common, they do arise. Aphids are common place in all gardens, to prevent them spray Neem oil. The lengthy-tailed mealybug is every other pest you could discover. Like different styles of scale insects, it latches onto leaves and stems. Neem is a good preventative right here as properly. Spray your plant each 7-14 days to preserve them at bay. A pyrethrin-based totally spray will kill any which might also seem.