Crossandra
Crossandra infundibuliformis
Crossandra is a compact evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and spikes of bright orange, salmon or yellow flowers, much loved for hair garlands in south India. It flowers almost all year in warm, humid weather.
Photo: Adityamadhav83 · CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Partial sun, Bright indirect light
Watering
Moderate
Keep the soil lightly moist; it wilts if it dries out.
Soil
Rich, well-drained potting mix; pH 5.5–6.5.
Temperature and humidity
15–38 °C · High humidity
Feeding
Feed every two weeks in the flowering season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by seed, stem cuttings
Remove spent spikes and pinch tips for bushiness.
Not known to be toxic.
Top Cultivation Tips
Give morning sun and afternoon shade.
Great for pots on a bright veranda.
Mist in dry weather.
Protect from cold below 15 °C.
Common problems
Leaf spot
Fungal or bacterial infections that cause brown, black or purple spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo, leading to early leaf drop.
How to treat it →PestMealybugs
White, cottony insects that hide in leaf joints and under leaves, weakening plants and spreading easily to neighbours.
How to treat it →PestRoot-knot nematodes
Microscopic soil worms that invade roots and cause knobbly swellings, leaving plants stunted and prone to wilting.
How to treat it →
