Kudoacanthus albonervosus Plant Care

Kudoacanthus albonervosus (Kudoacanthus albonervosus) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Kudoacanthus genus. Kudoacanthus albonervosus is native to Taiwan.

Kudoacanthus albonervosus displays a bushy perennial shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Kudoacanthus albonervosus produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kudoacanthus albonervosus 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.

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

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

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Kudoacanthus albonervosus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kudoacanthus albonervosus 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 rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kudoacanthus albonervosus 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.

Kudoacanthus albonervosus 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 Kudoacanthus albonervosus 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.

Kudoacanthus albonervosus 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.

Kudoacanthus albonervosus can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division of offsets, seeds.

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

Kudoacanthus albonervosus 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.

Kudoacanthus albonervosus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Kudoacanthus albonervosus is native to Taiwan. In cooler regions, grow Kudoacanthus albonervosus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.