Great Flowered Acranthera Plant Care

Great Flowered Acranthera (Acranthera grandiflora) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Acranthera genus. Great Flowered Acranthera is native to the Southern Western Ghats, growing at altitudes of 1000–1400 meters in evergreen forests, with flowering occurring from May to September.

Great Flowered Acranthera displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Great Flowered Acranthera produces small white tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Great Flowered Acranthera every 7–10 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.

Great Flowered Acranthera thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Great Flowered Acranthera in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Acranthera grandiflora tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Great Flowered Acranthera prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Great Flowered Acranthera to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Great Flowered Acranthera every 6 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 acidic soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Great Flowered Acranthera is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Great Flowered Acranthera can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Great Flowered Acranthera 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.

Great Flowered Acranthera is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Great Flowered Acranthera can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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

Great Flowered Acranthera is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Great Flowered Acranthera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Great Flowered Acranthera is native to the Southern Western Ghats, growing at altitudes of 1000–1400 meters in evergreen forests, with flowering occurring from May to September. In cooler regions, grow Great Flowered Acranthera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.