Aphelandra sinclairiana, the pink-flowered Aphelandra
Aphelandra sinclairiana
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Genus
- Aphelandra
- Species
- Aphelandra sinclairiana
Other name:Aphelandra de Sinclair
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 care 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 should always remain moist, but the plant's roots should not be sitting in water. Remove any standing water from the saucer or planter to prevent the roots from rotting.
Water the soil with non-hard water at room temperature. Use rainwater or, if you don't have any, demineralized water.
Misting
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.
Taking cuttings
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.
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 bloom again, your Aphelandra sinclairiana needsa period of rest 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
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- ShrubIndoorHerbaceousFlowery
- Tags
- FloweryCold-sensitiveThirsty
- Origins
- Central AmericaSouth America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Flower colors
- RoseOrange
- Fruit color
- Brown
Discover plants from the same family
Zebra plant
Aphelandra squarrosa
Aphelandra squarrosa 'Dania
Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Dania’
Burning spike
Aphelandra aurantiaca
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
