Caricature Plant Plant Care

Caricature Plant (Graptophyllum pictum) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Graptophyllum genus. Caricature Plant is native to New Guinea, also a well-known garden shrub. Caricature Plant is also known as Coral Plant, Dwarf Poinsettia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Caricature 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.

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

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

Feed Caricature 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.

Caricature 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.

Caricature 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 Caricature 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.

Caricature 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.

Caricature Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coral plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Caricature 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.

Caricature Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Caricature Plant is native to New Guinea, also a well-known garden shrub. In cooler regions, grow Caricature Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.