Crossandra is a very different type of plant . It ’s part of theAcanthaceae family , also known as theAfrican violet family , and isnative toMadagascar . There are not many Crossandra plant life uncommitted commercially as they are sly to maturate and cultivate . However , if you have the correct conditions and learn how to get Crossandra , it can be a very rewarding houseplant or garden increase .
There are around20 species of Crossandracurrently in cultivation which make themrarebut also fascinatingindoor plantssuitable for beginners and advanced terrarium enthusiast . They havebeautiful purple petals with sensationalistic centersthat almost bet like the inside of an Allium cepa when regard from the outside . Read on to discover everything you ask to know about growing and care for crossandra so you’re able to produce the perfect environment for your flora !
Crossandra Characteristics
Crossandra is one of the easiest tropical plants to grow indoors . These types of plant ordinarily need awarm , humid environmentto thrive . Crossandra originates from the tropical zone of Madagascar and grow well in a chain of mountains of conditions , which is why they are so popular .
Despite their exotic name and appearance , Crossandra plants are really in the same kinsperson as African violets . They are also name to as‘false African violets’because of their similar appearance . Crossandra plants have beautiful flowers with purple petal and scandalmongering centers . If you need to grow Crossandra to enjoy their flower , you ’ll need to grow them indoors in a strong , humid environment . Since Crossandra plants are from tropical region , theywon’t live in cold climate .
Where to Grow Crossandra
Crossandra plants thrive inwarm , humidenvironments . you could develop them indoors or outdoors in lovesome , humid mood that arefrost - innocent . This makes them perfect plants for indoor terrariums , where their soil can be kept constantly moist . If you know in a tender , humid climate , you could produce Crossandra outside in the ground . You may need to protect them from rime during the winter , though . If you inhabit in acold clime , they can begrown indoors in containers .
Crossandra Plant Care
Crossandra is one of the easy plant life to grow , but it does need special condition to thrive .
Light
Crossandra plantspreferpartial shadebut will permit full sunshine . If you live in a tender , humid climate and are growing your plant outdoors , it will take full sun most of the day . Indoors , you’re able to order your plant in part or full shade .
Temperature and Humidity
Since Crossandra is from the tropics , it prefer warm , humid conditions . If you dwell in a lovesome , humid clime , you could grow your works outside twelvemonth - round . If you live in a cooler mood , you could turn your industrial plant indoors in a quick , humid surround , such as a terrarium .
If you want to grow Crossandra outdoors , you ’ll need to protect it from frost . you could do this bycovering your plant with frost cloth or move it indoors if temperatures sink below freeze . If you want to originate your plant indoors , you ’ll need to create a warm , humid environment .
This can be done by place your plant life in a tray of water . humidness level should be between 40 - 50 % . If your indoor humidity is too low , you’re able to use a humidifier or place your plant next to a water source such as a swallow hole .
Crossandra (Firecracker flower)
Soil
Crossandra plants do not have special soil prerequisite . If you are turn your plant life out of doors , you’re able to practice steady garden grunge . The stain should bemoistat all times because these plants are prone to take root rot . If you are growing your flora indoors in a container , you’re able to expend a even potting mix .
Water
Crossandra works are prone to root rot , which can be fatal . They should be maintain moist at all times , but not soggy . If the grime dry out , it should be watered again . you’re able to expend a water meter to keep track of how much wet is in the stain .
Fertilizer
you could fertilise your Crossandra once every calendar month by using awater - soluble fertilizer . Use a general - intention fertilizer that ishigh in nitrogen and daystar . Avoid fertilizers high inpotassium , as they can suppress blossom . Fertilizer should be applied to the soil , not the leaves of the plant .
pot soil should be fecundate once every month , while even garden land should befertilized every 3 - 4 workweek . Crossandra plants do not need to be repotted , but you could do so if you wish . If you repot your plant life , you should utilise grease that is slightly on the looser side . If you repot your plant during the growing time of year , you should use pot soil with in high spirits humidness .
Pruning
Crossandra plantsdo not need to be prunedandshould not be snip during the grow time of year . However , if your plant is indoors and you only need it for ornamental reasonableness , it can be pruned to hold in its growth . you may prune your plant life as needed but should await until the get season is over . If you want to propagate your works , you’re able to do so during the growing season . Select healthy leaves and duck them in body of water . Once they have root , they can be cut and plant .
Propagating Crossandra
you may propagate your Crossandra industrial plant throughleaf propagation . Select tidy leaves and dim them in water . Once they have rooted , they can be reduce and plant in soil . If you require more industrial plant , you could also takecuttings from your Crossandra plant . rationalize the stalk halfway down , remove the lower leaves and dip the cold shoulder close in rooting endocrine .
you could also disunite your plant to produce new plants . This is a good idea if your plant is too big for its container or if it ’s receive too big for your indoor environs . To separate your works , wait until the growing time of year is over . slay the plant life from the container and edit out it down in the middle . you may then replant each half in a newfangled container or sens .
Summary
Crossandra plants are from the tropics of Madagascar and are part of the Acanthaceae family . Despite their exotic name , they are actually interrelate to African violet . Crossandra plants have beautiful purple petal and yellow centers , and they favour partial specter . If you want to grow Crossandra , you ’ll need to produce a affectionate , humid environment .
If you experience in a warm , humid climate , you could grow your plant life outside in the ground . If you exist in a frigid climate , you may grow your plant life indoors in a container . When uprise Crossandra , make certain to irrigate it regularly and fecundate it once a month . If you want to propagate your plant life , you could take cut from it or split up it to create new works .
FAQs
Does Crossandra like acidic soil?
It was potential to grow Cassandra in a mixture of soils . It grows best onfertile , red loamy soils with a pH chain of mountains of 6 to 7.5 . It tolerates slightly acidic soil but will not grow well . If the pH expend below 6.5 , the petals will begin to fall off .
Can I grow Crossandra indoors?
It can be grown indoors in a warm , humid environs with a soil mix that is slightly on the drier side and is low-down in constituent matter . If you feel like growing Crossandra indoors , you could use terrarium or charge card locoweed with a plant life foundation . A container filled with potting soil should be half sand and half peat moss with some constitutive material such as pine barque bring for drainage . Do not use commercial potting mix that contain acid - base material such as lime tree or S because they will stamp out your plant .
How often should I water Crossandra?
Crossandra works are extremely sensitive to overwatering . To prevent this , you should water your plant once the top inch of the soil feel dry . If the soil is peculiarly dry or if you ’re rise your plant life indoors , you may want to irrigate it twice a week or every other daytime .
Do I need special pots for Crossandra?
It ’s potential to uprise Crossandra in pots , but it should be grown in plastic containers with a wide opening to leave for drainage because the soil will be wet for most of the yr . It can also be rise in terrarium if you live in an area that have a lot of humidness from summer rain cascade . today , they are also available in home base and garden stores . They produce well in a good climate with correct care . They like undimmed light and elbow room temperature . They can detain outdoors year - round but will do well with indoor winterization . They need to be place next to a window or in the broad shadowiness , otherwise , the leave of absence become misshaped when they get inhuman at dark .
