Cyrtandra giffardii Plant Care

Cyrtandra giffardii (Cyrtandra giffardii) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Cyrtandra genus. Cyrtandra giffardii is native to the island of Hawaii.

Cyrtandra giffardii displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cyrtandra giffardii produces tubular flowers in various colors like red, orange, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cyrtandra giffardii 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.

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

Cyrtandra giffardii tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Cyrtandra giffardii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Cyrtandra giffardii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cyrtandra giffardii 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, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cyrtandra giffardii 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.

Cyrtandra giffardii 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.

Prune Cyrtandra giffardii 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.

Cyrtandra giffardii 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.

Cyrtandra giffardii can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cyrtandra baileyi plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Cyrtandra giffardii 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.

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