Aphelandra scabra, the Red Aphelandra, is a striking evergreen shrub known for its vibrant red bracts and ornamental appeal, ideal for tropical gardens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light is ideal.
75% intensity
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Can tolerate partial shade.
Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
75% intensity
Allow top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Well-draining, fertile potting mix.
50% intensity
Average room temperatures.
50% intensity
Ideal range is 18-24°C. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 13°C.
Feed during the growing season.
50% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks from spring to summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Aphelandra scabra prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes waterlogged conditions.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler months, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings to prevent root rot.
Prune annually in spring to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove spent flower stalks and any leggy or damaged stems.
Pinching back the tips of new growth can also promote a more compact and attractive plant form. Use clean, sharp tools.
Propagate by stem cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Select healthy, non-flowering shoots, cut them to about 10-15 cm, and remove lower leaves.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep moist and warm for root development.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based blend with perlite.
Gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the new pot.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Red Aphelandra (Aphelandra scabra)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Aphelandra |
| Species | Aphelandra scabra |
Similar in genus Aphelandra
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
