Nelson's gypsacanthus Plant Care

Nelson's gypsacanthus (Gypsacanthus nelsonii) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Gypsacanthus genus. Nelson's gypsacanthus is native to central and southwestern Mexico.

Nelson's gypsacanthus displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Nelson's gypsacanthus produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Nelson's gypsacanthus 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.

Nelson's gypsacanthus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Nelson's gypsacanthus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Gypsacanthus nelsonii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Nelson's gypsacanthus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Nelson's gypsacanthus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Nelson's gypsacanthus 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 light and well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Nelson's gypsacanthus 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.

Nelson's gypsacanthus can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Nelson's gypsacanthus 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.

Nelson's gypsacanthus 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.

Nelson's gypsacanthus can be propagated through stem cuttings, division.

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

Nelson's gypsacanthus is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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.

Nelson's gypsacanthus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Nelson's gypsacanthus is native to central and southwestern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Nelson's gypsacanthus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.