
Photo: Robert TaylorCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana Plant Care
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana (Hallier f.) Pichon
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This rare plant is known for its striking bright orange tubular flowers that stand out against its dark green lance-shaped leaves. Originating from the mountains of Madeira, Portugal, Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching floral display.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana?
Plant Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana in bright indirect light (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana Native To?
- Angola
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Is the Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana?
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana (Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Chamaeclitandra genus. Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana is native to tropical Africa.
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana produces small, star-shaped flowers in clusters of pink, white, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana?
Water a young or newly planted Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana Need?
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana Prefer?
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana?
Feed Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana?
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.
How Do You Prune a Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana?
Prune Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana 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.
How Do You Care for a Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana in Winter?
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana 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.
How Do You Propagate a Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana?
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.
Is the Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana?
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana Need?
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana is native to tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Chamaeclitandra genus — compare its care with other Chamaeclitandra species on PlantoScan.
Chamaeclitandra is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana (Hallier f.) Pichon, family Apocynaceae (first published in Mém. Inst. Franç. Afrique Noire 35: 203 (1953)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Chamaeclitandra henriquesiana is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Robert Taylor, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
