Aphelandra sinclairiana in the ground

Credit: Wendy Cutler

Aphelandra sinclairiana flowers

Credit: Wendy Cutler

Flowers Aphelandra sinclairiana close-up

Credit: Rudoni productions

Green leaf aphelandra

Credit: Forest & Kim Starr

Aphelandra sinclairiana, the pink-flowered Aphelandra

The flowers of Aphelandra sinclairiana delight birds from Panama to Costa Rica. But they also delight collectors. This member of the Acanthaceae family can be grown indoors at our latitudes.

How to recognize Aphelandra sinclairiana?

Aphelandra sinclairiana is a branched shrub with a bushy habit. Larger than aphelandra squarrosa and aphelandra aurantiaca, it reaches three meters in height in the wild.

The quadrangular stem is covered with trichomes. These fine hairs capture water from the atmosphere. They also cover the petiole.

The fleshy leaves are arranged in opposite directions. Elliptical and pointed at the apex, their margins are hemmed with tiny teeth. The green leaf blade is plain. However, the veins are raised and the upper surface of the leaves is slightly domed.

Aphelandra sinclairiana puts on a curious spike in winter. Tubular pink flowers rise from a column of orange bracts. They bloom one after the other, renewing the flowering season from December to April.

When a flower fades, it transforms into a brown capsule. This fruit contains the seeds that will propagate the species.

You can enjoy this explosion of color without fear. The variety is non-toxic to humans and animals. The nectar secreted by the inflorescence is even highly appreciated by pollinating birds.

Our maintenance tips

Aphelandra sinclairiana are reserved for experienced gardeners. To keep them alive, you'll need to find the right balance of watering, light and heat.

Watering

The substrate must always remain moist, but the plant must not have its feet in water. Remove stagnant water from the saucer or planter to prevent root rot.

Water the soil with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Use rainwater or, if you don't have any, demineralized water.

Spray

Aphelandra sinclairiana love humidity. Spray their foliage to increase humidity and combat pest invasion.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Aphelandra sinclairiana to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Obtain a perforated pot. Line the bottom with a bed of clay balls or gravel to promote drainage.

For the substrate, you can use houseplant potting soil mixed with sand. Pour a layer and plant aphelandra sinclairiana in the center. Add potting soil around the edges and tamp down.

Water with room-temperature water to expel air bubbles and facilitate rooting.

To increase humidity, place your pot on a saucer filled with moist clay balls.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Apply a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants to promote the appearance of flower buds.

Cleaning

Remove dust from foliage with a clean, damp cloth. This will enable your plant to take full advantage of the sunlight.

Prune

Remove wilted and yellowed leaves.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Cut a stem about ten centimeters long, just above a node. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. In some specimens, stems lignify over time.

When you take your cutting, choose a portion that is still supple and will root easily.

Plant your cutting in a mixture of sand and potting soil. Water to moisten the substrate.

The operation is more likely to be successful in a smothered environment. Cover the pot with a bell jar or translucent plastic bag. You can also place it in a clear plastic crate with a lid.

Place your cuttings in semi-shade.

Aerate every day for a minute or two to prevent rotting, and mist the substrate to keep it slightly moist.

Wintering

To flower again, your Aphelandra sinclairiana needsa rest period after flowering.

Reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Place your plant in a room that is four or five degrees cooler. But remember, the temperature must always remain above 15°.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Acanthaceae - Acanthaceae
Type	Aphelandra - Aphelandra
Species	Aphelandra sinclairiana - Aphelandra sinclairiana
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Sun
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Shrub Interior Herbaceous Flowery
Tags	Flowery Fritillary Soiffarde
Origins	Central America South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors
Fruit color