Cyrtandra viridiflora Plant Care
Cyrtandra viridiflora St.John & Storey
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cyrtandra viridiflora is a rare species of flowering plant in the African violet family. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known only from the northern Koolau Mountains of Oahu.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cyrtandra viridiflora?
Plant Cyrtandra viridiflora in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cyrtandra viridiflora Native To?
What Is the Cyrtandra viridiflora?
Cyrtandra viridiflora (Cyrtandra viridiflora) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Cyrtandra genus. Cyrtandra viridiflora is native to Hawaii.
Cyrtandra viridiflora displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cyrtandra viridiflora produces tubular flowers in various colors like red, orange, or pink.
Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cyrtandra viridiflora?
Water a young or newly planted Cyrtandra viridiflora 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 Cyrtandra viridiflora Need?
Cyrtandra viridiflora thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cyrtandra viridiflora in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cyrtandra viridiflora Prefer?
Cyrtandra viridiflora tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Cyrtandra viridiflora prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cyrtandra viridiflora?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Cyrtandra viridiflora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cyrtandra viridiflora?
Feed Cyrtandra viridiflora 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 Cyrtandra viridiflora?
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 viridiflora 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Cyrtandra viridiflora?
Cyrtandra viridiflora 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 Cyrtandra viridiflora?
Prune Cyrtandra viridiflora 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 Cyrtandra viridiflora in Winter?
Cyrtandra viridiflora 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.
How Do You Propagate a Cyrtandra viridiflora?
Cyrtandra viridiflora can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds.
Is the Cyrtandra viridiflora Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cyrtandra viridiflora, 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 Cyrtandra viridiflora?
Cyrtandra viridiflora 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 Cyrtandra viridiflora Need?
Cyrtandra viridiflora grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Cyrtandra viridiflora is native to Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Cyrtandra viridiflora as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Cyrtandra viridiflora 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 Cyrtandra genus — compare its care with other Cyrtandra species on PlantoScan.
Cyrtandra is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Cyrtandra viridiflora 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: Cyrtandra viridiflora St.John & Storey, family Gesneriaceae (first published in Occas. Pap. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Mus. 20: 80 (1950)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cyrtandra viridiflora, 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 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
