Cupid's Bonnet Plant Care

Cupid's Bonnet (Achimenes longiflora) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Achimenes genus. Cupid's Bonnet is also known as Magic Flower.

Cupid's Bonnet displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cupid's Bonnet produces tubular flowers in various colors like pink, purple, or blue.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cupid's Bonnet every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cupid's Bonnet thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cupid's Bonnet in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Achimenes longiflora tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Cupid's Bonnet prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, humus-rich soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Cupid's Bonnet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cupid's Bonnet every 3 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, humus-rich soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cupid's Bonnet is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cupid's Bonnet can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Cupid's Bonnet while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Cupid's Bonnet is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cupid's Bonnet can be propagated through division of rhizomes, tubers, or offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to large-flowered achimenes plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cupid's Bonnet is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cupid's Bonnet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. In cooler regions, grow Cupid's Bonnet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.