Learn how to grow these showy, bright blooms for summer color.
Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis) is a tropical,evergreen shrubnative to Asia.
It grows about 2 feet tall and wide indoors and outdoors.
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Its near-continuous blooming sends spear-shaped spikes above its glossy, deep-green foliage in mild, warm weather.
Plant in spring when temperatures stay above 55oF, and it will grow rapidly with proper care.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
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Give it light shade and moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
Do not let it dry outwater whenever leaves start to flag.
Crossandra is avigorous growerroots often crowd in a pot after a year.
Repot into a larger container using fresh potting soil in spring.
Pinch off spent flower spikes to keep new ones coming.
Feed every three weeks with a liquid fertilizer according to label directions.
Cease feeding crossandra indoors in the winter.
Pests seldom bother it outdoors.
Indoors, watch for aphids and mites on the leaves.
Light
Crossandra thrives in partial sunlight for at least four hours daily when growing outside.
When growing crossandra indoors, place the plant in bright, indirect sunlight.
During the winter, provide crossandra with plenty of indirect or artificial light.
Soil
Plant crossandra in well-draining soil that’s moist but not soggy.
When growing in containers, choose potting soil with perlite or nutrient-rich soil.
If it’s crucial that you increase the soil’s acidity, a nitrogen fertilizer can help.
Water
Water crossandra when the soil is dryuse your hands to feel the top few inches.
Avoid using too cold water because it can shock the roots of thistropical plant.
Temperature And Humidity
Crossandra preferswarm, humid environmentssimilar to its native Asia.
Avoid starting plants when temperatures are below 55F or when frost is present.
Aim for climates that stay between 70F to 75F during the day when growing outdoors.
Increase humidity for indoor plants using a tray of pebbles or misting with a water bottle.
Reduce feedings in the winter by halfonce every two months.
Remove damaged stems to make room for healthy stems, or use cuttings for propagating new plants.
Encourage a fresh flower showing bydeadheading spent or faded blooms.
Avoid unwanted growth by removing flower spikes before seed production begins.
Propagating Crossandra
Crossandra plants propagate from seeds and stem cuttings taken in the spring.
Using a seed-starting tray, fill the container with potting soil.
Press the seeds into the soil, lightly cover, and mist with water.
For best results, keep the container in an area with temperatures around 80F.
New growth should emerge in seven to 10 days.
Transplant sprouts to a larger container to accommodate rapid plant growth.
Blooms appear about four months after starting seeds.
Avoid unnecessary repotting because these plants can suffer from transplant shock.
A root-bound plant should only berepotted every three yearsor more during spring.
Water deeply the day before and the day of transplanting.
Overwintering
If growing crossandra as an annual, nowinter careis necessary.
For perennial crossandra plants, move them indoors before the first frost.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
If growing crossandra outdoors, pests seldom bother it.
Indoor plants are susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and mites on the foliage.
Diseases associated with crossandra include root rot, leaf spots,powdery mildew, rust, and Botrytis blight.
Maintaining proper care and avoiding soggy soil helps to prevent these diseases from developing.
Overall, crossandra is relatively disease-resistant.
How To Get Crossandra To Bloom
Crossandra blooms spring through fall.
Its large flowers are fan-shaped and bloom inshades of red, pink, orange, and yellow.
To ensure a crossandra plant blooms, give it proper growing conditions.
Give it plenty of dappled sunlight to protect it from hot sun.
Too much shade will decrease blooms.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage the production of more blooms.
Common Problems With Crossandra
Crossandra is a relatively easy-to-maintain plant, especially whengrown as an annual.
Overwatering causes several diseases to develop, including root rot.
Avoid letting crossandra sit in soggy soil, ensuring it completely drains between waterings.
Bud and flower loss also accompany yellowing leaves.
Plant Leaves Falling Off
Crossandra needs proper sunlight and temperature requirements met to thrive.
If growing in a dry climate, leaves can fall off after turning brown from underwatering.
Underwatering also causes flower loss.
Crossandra is sensitive to water temperatures and should be watered with room-temperature or warm water.
Water outdoor plants during the heat of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crossandra are grown as perennials in warmer areas with no frost.
They are grown as annuals elsewhere and discarded after the blooming season.
Crossandra grows indoors in bright, indirect sunlight.
Position the plant near a north- or east-facing window to avoid the harsh afternoon heat.
Crossandra growing indoors needs at least four hours of daily sun.
NC State Extension.Crossandra infundibuliformis.
