Glossochilus burchellii Plant Care
Glossochilus burchellii Nees
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Glossochilus burchellii is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It is endemic to the Cape Provinces of South Africa.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Glossochilus burchellii?
Water Glossochilus burchellii every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Glossochilus burchellii Native To?
What Is the Glossochilus burchellii?
Glossochilus burchellii (Glossochilus burchellii) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Glossochilus genus. Glossochilus burchellii is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa.
Glossochilus burchellii displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Glossochilus burchellii produces tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Glossochilus burchellii?
Glossochilus burchellii requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Glossochilus burchellii Need?
Glossochilus burchellii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Glossochilus burchellii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Glossochilus burchellii Prefer?
Glossochilus burchellii grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Glossochilus burchellii 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 Glossochilus burchellii?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Glossochilus burchellii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Glossochilus burchellii?
Feed Glossochilus burchellii every 6 months 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 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Glossochilus burchellii?
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 Glossochilus burchellii?
Glossochilus burchellii can be propagated through division of rhizomes, stem cuttings.
Is the Glossochilus burchellii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Glossochilus burchellii, 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 Glossochilus burchellii?
Glossochilus burchellii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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 Glossochilus burchellii Need?
Glossochilus burchellii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Glossochilus burchellii is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Glossochilus burchellii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Glossochilus burchellii 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 Glossochilus genus — compare its care with other Glossochilus species on PlantoScan.
Glossochilus is part of the Acanthaceae plant family — browse all Acanthaceae genera and species.
Glossochilus burchellii 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: Glossochilus burchellii Nees, family Acanthaceae (first published in Prodr. 11: 83 (1847)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Glossochilus burchellii, 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.
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