Afelandra Protruding

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Aphelandra bulging (lat. Aphelandra squarrosa) - one of the species of the genus Afelandra (Latin Aphelandra), belonging to the Acanthaceae family. Differs in large striped leaves with sharp tips and picturesque inflorescences, in which the main bright accent is not on flowers, but on bracts. The bulging Afelandra is a child of the humid tropics, and therefore it is not very easy to grow a plant in indoor conditions, but it is quite possible.

Description

In a natural tropical environment with high humidity, Afelandra protruding is an evergreen compact shrub that grows to a height of two meters.

The plant delights with its green glossy leaves, the surface of which is lined with white veins, turning the leaf plate into a kind of zebra, which gave rise to the popular name of the bulging Afelandra - "Zebra". The shape of the leaves can be different, from oval to elliptical. The leaf plate, ending with a sharp tip, grows up to 23 (twenty three) centimeters.

An additional decoration of the plant is spike-shaped inflorescences of yellow or orange-yellow flowers, burdened with bracts up to 4 (four) centimeters long, which are often perceived by people as flower petals. Inflorescences appear at the top of the plant, and sometimes additional inflorescences appear between the upper leaves. The life of miniature yellow flowers, exuding a pleasant aroma, is very fleeting and lasts only a few days. But the bracts remain on the inflorescence for one to two months, giving a picturesque look to the entire plant.

Of course, in the room, the protruding Afelandra does not grow up to two meters in height, rising with its strong stem only 30-45 (thirty-forty-five) centimeters above ground level in a flower pot. For most Russian apartments, this is even more sensible. Pots with a diameter not exceeding 15 (fifteen) centimeters are best suited for a plant.

Plant care in indoor conditions

As a rule, the plant is purchased from the store in a blooming state. In order for the bulging Afelandra to please its owners and later, when the "store" flowering is over, it is important to provide the plant with the correct lighting conditions, temperature and humidity.

In winter, the plant should take a "vacation" by placing it in a cool room for two months. As spring comes into its own, the plant pot is moved to a well-lit place. For Afelandra, the bulging is not the length of daylight hours, but the intensity of light. In low light, you can never wait for flowering, although the foliage will delight with its brightness and beauty.

After the inflorescences lose their attractive appearance, they should be cut off. To keep the remaining leaves shiny, wipe them frequently with a damp, soft cloth.

Lighting

Spring and summer lighting for the plant should be bright, but direct sunlight should be avoided. In autumn and winter, Afelandro's bulging is provided with moderate lighting.

Temperature and humidity

The child of the tropics loves warm temperatures, ranging from 18 to 27 degrees Celsius. During the period of active growth, it is important to maintain high humidity, for which the pots can be placed on trays filled with moistened pebbles.

After the end of flowering, you should provide the plant with rest by placing it in a relatively cool place, the temperature in which is not lower than 12 degrees Celsius.

Watering

For the growing season of the protruding Afelandra, soil moisture plays an important role. It should be constantly moist, so watering should be abundant, maintaining constant soil moisture. During the rest period, the soil should be slightly damp, allowing the upper half to dry out between waterings.

Top dressing

During the active period of growth, the soil should be fed weekly with standard liquid fertilizer. The plant needs soil rich in humus and with good drainage.