Aphelandra Dania

Synonyms: Zebra Plant, Saffron Spike, афеладра скуаросса дания

Aphelandra (Aphelandra R.Br.) – a cultivar of Aphelandra squarrosa from the genus Aphelandra (Aphelandra) of the Acanthaceae family. The cultivar originates from Brazil.

An evergreen low-growing shrub 1.2–1.8 m in height. Stems fleshy, sturdy, glabrous, reddish in color.

Leaves decorative, variegated, large, sessile, arranged oppositely, 20–30 cm long, ovate-elliptic in shape. The upper surface of the leaf is glossy, with silvery-white stripes along the midrib and lateral veins; the underside is matte and lighter.

Flowers tubular, bilabiate, arranged in terminal spike-like inflorescences of a quadrangular shape up to 30 cm long. Flowers are pale yellow. Bracts are bright orange. The corolla is irregular in shape — bilabiate with four stamens and one pistil. Blooms from May–June through November.

Fruits are two-locular capsules with 2 seeds inside.

Hardiness zone: 10a-11 (13°C).

Temperature: a warmth-loving plant; it is recommended to maintain the temperature at 22–23°C, in winter not below +15°C.

Light: needs bright light in winter; from spring to autumn it should be shaded from direct sunlight.

Watering: From spring to autumn water abundantly; in winter somewhat less. The soil should remain moist at all times, but water should not stagnate in the pot. Use only soft (rain, melt, or boiled) and warm water.

Fertilizer: Since Aphelandra rapidly uses up nutrients, it is fed regularly every two weeks. Use fertilizer for flowering houseplants. Feedings are carried out throughout the year.

Air humidity: Aphelandra prefers very humid air, so it is misted several times a day or placed on a tray with water.

Repotting: The soil should be very loose, air- and moisture-permeable. Soil mix: 4 parts leaf mold, 1 part turf, 1 part peat soil and 1 part sand. Repot every spring in April.

Propagation: By seeds sown in February or March. Aphelandra also propagates from a whole leaf at 23–24°C and from terminal cuttings.