Dicliptera maclearii Plant Care

Dicliptera maclearii (Dicliptera maclearii) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Dicliptera genus. Dicliptera maclearii is native to Christmas Island, an Australian territory in the north-eastern Indian Ocean.

Dicliptera maclearii displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dicliptera maclearii produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dicliptera maclearii 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.

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

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

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Dicliptera maclearii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dicliptera maclearii 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, fertile soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dicliptera maclearii is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Dicliptera maclearii 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 Dicliptera maclearii 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.

Dicliptera maclearii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Dicliptera maclearii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dicliptera aripoensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Dicliptera maclearii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Dicliptera maclearii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Dicliptera maclearii is native to Christmas Island, an Australian territory in the north-eastern Indian Ocean. In cooler regions, grow Dicliptera maclearii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.