Aphelandra Plant Care

Aphelandra (Aphelandra anderssonii) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Aphelandra genus. Aphelandra is native to Ecuador.

Aphelandra displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Aphelandra produces showy spikes of yellow bracts with small white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Aphelandra 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.

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

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

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

Feed Aphelandra every 4 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 peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Aphelandra 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.

Aphelandra can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Aphelandra 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.

Aphelandra 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.

Aphelandra can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to zebra plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Aphelandra is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.

Aphelandra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Aphelandra is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Aphelandra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.