Coral Plant Plant Care

Coral Plant (Graptophyllum excelsum) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Graptophyllum genus. Coral Plant is native to Queensland, Australia, often found on limestone on the edges of monsoon forest and vine thickets. Coral Plant is also known as Caricature Plant.

Coral Plant displays a bushy, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Coral Plant produces showy tubular flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Coral Plant 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.

Coral Plant thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Coral Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Graptophyllum excelsum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Coral Plant 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 Coral Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Coral Plant 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 to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Coral Plant is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Coral Plant can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Coral Plant 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.

Coral Plant 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.

Coral Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to holly-leaved caricature plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Coral Plant 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.

Coral Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Coral Plant is native to Queensland, Australia, often found on limestone on the edges of monsoon forest and vine thickets. In cooler regions, grow Coral Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.