Crossandra Care Guide: Tips on Location, Watering, and Propagation

The plant Crossandra infundibuliformis, commonly known as crossandra, originates from India but has successfully adapted to various climates worldwide. These large plants resemble small shrubs, typically reaching around one and a half meters in height, with dark green, veined leaves. They produce beautiful orange flowers, though red and salmon-colored varieties are also available, each bloom measuring up to six centimeters and appearing in spring or summer. The flowers are funnel-shaped and create gorgeous small clusters.

• Crossandra requires plenty of light, but no direct sunlight. Direct exposure to sunlight can cause the plant to wilt, especially if it has flowers. When placed outdoors, crossandra should not receive intense direct sunlight; it does well with some shade and indirect lighting.
• It thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius, and should never drop below twelve degrees, as crossandra cannot withstand extreme cold or frost.
• When it comes to whether crossandra prefers sun or shade, it is a versatile plant, able to flourish in both garden settings and as an indoor houseplant. A potted crossandra is a lovely addition to any indoor space, provided you place it in an area that receives ample light through the window, allowing you to enjoy its stunning flowers.

• Crossandra requires a very fertile substrate, ideally mixed with peat. The soil should have a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
• For fertilization, you can use fertilizers meant for azaleas, as they are beneficial for crossandra as well. Apply it every two weeks during spring and summer, while a smaller portion once a month is adequate for the remaining months. Additionally, mineral fertilizers specifically for indoor plants can be particularly useful, offering essential nutrients that the plant may miss when not growing in natural soil.

It’s crucial to avoid overwatering crossandra, as it cannot tolerate excess moisture. Just a slight overwatering, especially in winter, can lead to irreversible damage to the plant.

Pruning is necessary only when the plant loses its shape. In such cases, trim younger branches while maintaining the form of older ones. Additionally, remove any dried leaves.

You can reproduce crossandra in two ways:

• Seeds: Seed sowing should take place in spring when the weather is favorable. Seeds will begin to sprout about two weeks after sowing, though growth may be somewhat irregular for the following month. It can take between seven to nine months for the plant to fully develop. It will bloom for the first time slowly and weakly.
• Cuttings: If you choose to propagate crossandra through cuttings, careful attention is required to several important aspects: a mini greenhouse is essential to maintain a tropical temperature; control the atmosphere to prevent dramatic temperature changes that could harm the young plant, and ensure the soil is enriched with growth hormones before planting the cuttings. This botanical needs a tropical ambiance without drafts and strong yet indirect light to thrive.

• The most common issue faced by crossandra is root rot due to overwatering. Therefore, it is vital to ensure the substrate allows proper drainage, and the leaves should not be misted, even with a spray bottle, as this can also harm the plant.
• The second major risk is underwatering. If the plant begins to curl its leaves, it is a sign of dehydration. Unlike many plants, crossandra requires a precise balance of moisture, which varies based on the climate it’s grown in. It will take a bit of experimentation to find the right balance for your specific plant.
• One of the pests that commonly afflicts crossandra is the red spider mite. This pest poses a significant threat, particularly in warm weather and when the plant’s soil is very dry. Regular watering can help eliminate the mites, or you can use a miticide available at garden supply stores.