Codonanthe erubescens Plant Care
Codonanthopsis erubescens (Wiehler) Chautems & Mat.Perret
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, this plant's most distinctive feature is its striking, velvety, deep red leaves. Plant collectors are drawn to Codonanthopsis erubescens for its unique coloration and rarity in cultivation, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Codonanthe erubescens?
Water Codonanthe erubescens every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Codonanthe erubescens Native To?
What Is the Codonanthe erubescens?
Codonanthe erubescens (Codonanthopsis erubescens) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Codonanthopsis genus. Codonanthe erubescens is native to Ecuador and mainly grows in wet tropical biomes. Codonanthe erubescens is also known as Aeschynanthus erubescens.
Codonanthe erubescens displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Codonanthe erubescens produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Codonanthe erubescens?
Codonanthopsis erubescens requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Codonanthe erubescens Need?
Codonanthe erubescens thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Codonanthe erubescens in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Codonanthe erubescens Prefer?
Codonanthopsis erubescens grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Codonanthe erubescens prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Codonanthe erubescens?
Well-draining, peat-based soil mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Codonanthe erubescens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Codonanthe erubescens?
Feed Codonanthe erubescens every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Codonanthe erubescens?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Codonanthe erubescens?
Codonanthe erubescens can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false african violet plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Codonanthe erubescens Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Codonanthe erubescens, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Codonanthe erubescens?
Codonanthe erubescens 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Codonanthe erubescens Need?
Codonanthe erubescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Codonanthe erubescens is native to Ecuador and mainly grows in wet tropical biomes. In cooler regions, grow Codonanthe erubescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Codonanthe erubescens 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 Codonanthopsis genus — compare its care with other Codonanthopsis species on PlantoScan.
Codonanthopsis is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Codonanthe erubescens thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Codonanthopsis Species
Other Codonanthopsis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Codonanthopsis erubescens (Wiehler) Chautems & Mat.Perret, family Gesneriaceae (first published in Selbyana 31: 152 (2013)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Codonanthe erubescens, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- 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.
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