La Crossandra infundibuliformis It is one of the most prized perennial herbaceous plants by lovers of tropical gardens and those who want to fill their interiors with color with exotic species. Its spectacular flowering, glossy foliage, and the contrasting colors it provides distinguish it as a versatile ornamental option, ideal for both interior decoration—provided there is plenty of light—and for patios and gardens in mild climates.
However, due to its tropical origin and delicate requirements, it can be quite a challenge to ensure that it thrives for years with maximum vitality. If you've ever purchased a crossandra and seen it wilt when autumn arrives, don't worry: by following a series of comprehensive care guidelines, which we thoroughly review in this comprehensive guide, it's perfectly possible to enjoy its beauty season after season.
Origin and natural distribution of the Crossandra
La Crossandra infundibuliformis It is a shrub species belonging to the family Acanthaceae, native primarily to the tropical regions of southern India, where the climate is warm, humid, and stable throughout the year. It is also found naturally in Sri Lanka and Thailand, and has successfully adapted to other Asian countries with similar conditions.
Today, due to its relative resilience and adaptability, It has been naturalized in various areas of Central AmericaHowever, outside of these tropical zones, the plant can suffer significant damage if exposed to low temperatures, cold winds, or a lack of humidity, factors that often limit its cultivation in temperate climates. Therefore, when grown in regions outside its native habitat, it is often used as an indoor species or in pots, as it is easier to protect it from climatic variations and adapt the conditions to its needs.
Botanical and ornamental characteristics
Crossandra infundibuliformis is a short-lived perennial plant, as it typically lives between 3 and 4 years under optimal growing conditions. Its appearance is compact and elegant, typically reaching between 30 and 60 centimeters in height, although in its natural habitat it can reach up to 1,5 meters in exceptional conditions, as some botanical sources report.
The foliage stands out for its intense bright green colorIts leaves are entire, varying in shape from elliptical to ovate to lanceolate, with slightly wavy edges and very pronounced whitish veins. The leaves can reach up to 17 centimeters in length and about 5 centimeters in width, and grow oppositely on herbaceous stems that usually become slightly lignified at the base over time.
Its greatest attraction lies in the abundant and prolonged flowering. The flowers appear, depending on conditions, from May until late summer and even early autumn. Their distinctive funnel or trumpet shape gives the species its name (infundibuliformis (meaning “funnel-shaped” in Latin). The colors typically range from deep orange, salmon, red, pale salmon, and yellow, and its petals are grouped in dense terminal inflorescences. Each flower usually measures up to 6 centimeters and often forms compact, highly ornamental clusters.
After flowering, it produces small, elliptical capsules containing tiny seeds. These capsules can split open suddenly to disperse the seeds, a characteristic that facilitates the species' propagation.
Recommended lighting conditions and location
One of the most relevant aspects for success in the cultivation of Crossandra infundibuliformis is to get the right location, both indoors and outdoors:
- Plenty of light, but not direct: The crossandra loves bright light, but direct sunlight should be avoided, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burn and flower discoloration, reducing the plant's lifespan. It is recommended to always seek a semi-shaded area or one with plenty of light filtered through sheer curtains if grown indoors.
- Indoors: Its ideal location is in bright rooms, near east- or south-facing windows, where it can receive indirect light during the day without being exposed to drafts. A sunny but filtered corner is the best spot, as the plant does not tolerate prolonged darkness.
- Outdoors: If grown in a garden or on a terrace, it should be located in a spot protected from cold winds and preferably under diffused shade, for example, under the shelter of other shrubs or a translucent awning. In areas with very hot and dry climates, it is essential to protect it from the heat of the day to avoid water stress and sun damage.
- Avoid drafty locations: In both cases, it is important to keep it away from direct drafts, as the plant can be severely affected by sudden changes in temperature.
Pot or soil? Choosing and transplanting
Given his great sensitivity to cold, the smartest option for non-tropical areas is to grow it in flower potThis allows it to be easily moved from the garden or terrace to the interior during the cold season, thus avoiding the risk of irreversible damage.
- Choice of pot: Choose clay or terracotta containers, as they are porous and promote soil transpiration, minimizing the risk of waterlogging. However, plastic pots can be used as long as they have sufficient drainage holes.
- Transplant: It's recommended to check the condition of the roots every spring. If the plant has completely colonized them, it's advisable to transplant it to a slightly larger pot. Transplant in spring, taking advantage of the beginning of the growing season.
- On ground: In tropical or subtropical climates, it can also be planted directly in the garden, ensuring that the soil is loose, fertile, with good drainage and adequate pH.
A very useful trick is to plant the crossandra directly in its pot, buried in the garden during spring and summer, to make it easier to remove and bring it indoors as soon as temperatures drop.
The ideal substrate: properties and preparation of the soil
La substrate quality It is crucial for the development of the crossandra and its flowering:
- Substrate pH: This plant prefers acidic or neutral soilsA pH between 5,5 and 6,5 is the optimal range. If the substrate is too alkaline, the plant often exhibits chlorosis and poor growth.
- Structure and composition: The ground must be light, fluffy and with excellent drainageAn ideal mix includes fertile soil, peat, perlite, and, optionally, a little coarse sand to promote aeration.
- Organic material: It requires high levels of organic matter. The substrate can be enriched with mature compost or worm castings.
- Special substrates: Substrates formulated for acid-loving plants (such as those for azaleas or camellias) usually work very well. For more information on Crossandra care, we recommend checking out our section on ornamental flowers.
If you have any doubts about soil pH, it's recommended to test it with specific kits, available at garden centers, to ensure the conditions are optimal.
Irrigation and humidity
El irrigation It is one of the fundamental keys to maintaining the crossandra in optimal condition:
- Irrigation frequency: The land must remain always slightly moist, but never saturated. Water several times a week in summer (two or three times, depending on the temperature and drying of the substrate) and reduce the frequency in autumn and winter.
- Water type: Use lime-free or descaled water, preferably at room temperature. Hard water causes salt buildup that can damage the plant and cause yellowing of leaves. For additional recommendations, see our article on indoor plants that bloom in winter.
- Avoid waterlogging: It's vital not to leave standing water in the saucer under the pot, as excess moisture causes root rot, one of the most common problems.
- Humidity: The crossandra requires a humid atmosphere (ideally 60% to 80%). If the environment is dry, especially in heated interiors, placing the pot on a saucer of pebbles and water (without the base directly touching the water) helps create a humid microclimate.
- Avoid spraying flowers and leaves: Although some manuals suggest misting the leaves, it is best not to wet the flowers or leaves directly, as they can develop spots or diseases if not dried in time.
A symptom of insufficient watering and lack of moisture is the curling and falling of leaves and flowers, while excess watering manifests itself first as wilted leaves and then as root rot.
Fertilization and specific fertilization
To achieve spectacular flowering and vigorous growth, the crossandra requires regular fertilization:
- Frequency: Fertilize every two weeks during spring and summer, which are its busiest seasons. If the weather is warm year-round, you can fertilize even in the fall. You can learn more about the best .
- Type of subscription: Choose specific liquid fertilizers for flowering plants, rich in phosphorous and potassiumIt is also advisable that they contain micronutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc, as these are essential for the plant's health.
- Organic fertilizers: Guano is one of the best natural fertilizers, but it should always be applied in very low doses to avoid root burns caused by excessive concentration.
In winter or during dormant periods, fertilization frequency can be reduced to once a month or even suspended if the plant stops developing.
Pruning: When and How to Do It Right
La pruning It is not essential, but it provides great benefits for the health and aesthetics of the crossandra:
- Annual pruning: Prune at the end of flowering (usually in autumn), cutting flower stems back to two-thirds of their length. This helps maintain the plant's compact shape and encourages the development of new branches and flower buds for the following season.
- Removing wilted leaves and flowers: It is advisable to regularly remove dry leaves and withered flowers to prevent the growth of fungus and maintain a healthy appearance.
- Training pruning in young specimens: Pinching the tips of the shoots encourages denser branching and abundant flowering.
- Clean tools: Use perfectly clean and disinfected pruning shears to avoid the transmission of diseases.
Reproduction: methods and practical advice
La Crossandra infundibuliformis It multiplies mainly in two ways:
- By seeds: Sow in early spring in a tray or small pots with special seedling substrate, moistening the substrate and lightly covering the seeds. Keep the seedbed in a protected location with indirect light and a constant temperature (around 24-27°C). The seeds germinate in 10-14 days. After several pairs of leaves appear, transplant to the final pot, taking care of the root system.
- By cuttings: Select healthy stems measuring about 7-10 cm in early spring, cutting below a node and removing the lower leaves. Apply rooting hormone to the base and plant in a peat-sand mixture or perlite. Cover the container with clear plastic to retain moisture and place in semi-shade at about 20°C. Lightly mist the substrate, avoiding touching the cutting. In a few weeks, when new shoots appear, they can be repotted.
Propagation by cuttings is the best option if you want to obtain plants identical to the original and accelerate the growth process.
Pests, diseases and common problems
- Red spider: It appears in dry, warm environments. It causes yellowing and leaf drop, and leaves fine cobwebs on the underside. It is prevented by maintaining high humidity, and severe infestations require treatment with specific acaricides.
- Aphids: They cause deformation and weakness in young shoots. Remove them manually or with appropriate phytosanitary products.
- Root rot: Caused by excess water or poor drainage. It manifests as wilted and necrotic leaves. The best measure is to improve drainage, reduce watering, and use light substrates.
- Fungi: They can appear when the plant is misted excessively or the substrate remains wet for too long. Avoid wetting leaves and flowers and ensure good ventilation.
- Chlorosis: If the leaves turn yellow but the veins remain green, it could be due to hard water, poor pH, or a micronutrient deficiency. Adjust the pH and use fertilizers rich in iron and micronutrients.
Keep a correct ambient humidity and checking the plant frequently is key to detecting and correcting any problems in time.
Climate and rusticity: minimum and maximum temperatures
La Crossandra infundibuliformis It is extremely sensitive to cold. The ideal growing temperature is between 20 and 28°C. The minimum it can tolerate without damage is 10-15°C, although a prolonged drop below 10°C can be fatal, especially if it coincides with high humidity. In areas with harsh winters, the plant should always be kept indoors, away from drafts and direct heat sources.
Temperatures above 30°C can be tolerated if compensated with high humidity and an adequate water supply.
Uses and ornamental value in gardens and interior decoration
La crossandra It is recognized for its ornamental value both in outdoor gardening (in favorable climates) as in the interiorIt's used to create vibrant combinations in tropical gardens, patios, terraces, and sheltered balconies, and also as a showy container plant in the home. Its compact size and glossy foliage make it ideal for tables, shelves, or even as a centerpiece in conservatories and conservatories.
In garden design, it combines perfectly with other species that share similar requirements (such as begonias, impatiens, or tropical ferns) and allows for uninterrupted flowering throughout the summer.
Curiosities and etymology
Name Crossandra It comes from the Greek "krossos" (fringe) and "andros" (man, referring to the flower's male reproductive organs), alluding to the appearance of the frayed anthers. In horticulture, there are numerous varieties and cultivars that differ in flower intensity and shades, from classic orange to pale yellow, salmon, or deep red.
Frequently asked questions about Crossandra care
- Why isn't my crossandra blooming? The cause is usually a lack of light or a nutrient deficiency. Make sure to provide sufficient indirect light and fertilize regularly with fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium.
- When and how to transplant it? It's best to do this in early spring, when the plant resumes growth. Increase the pot size only slightly to avoid excess moisture and promote controlled root development.
- What to do in case of yellow leaves? Check the substrate's pH, water quality, and moisture level. Correct overwatering if it's excessive and, if necessary, provide chelated iron.