Photo: 116916927065934112165CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Princess Flower Plant Care
Lobelia columnaris Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking long, tubular red flowers, Lobelia columnaris hails from the mountainous regions of South Africa. The unique shape and vibrant color of its blooms make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a splash of exotic beauty to their gardens.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Princess Flower?
Water Princess Flower every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Princess Flower Native To?
What Is the Princess Flower?
Princess Flower (Lobelia columnaris) belongs to the Campanulaceae family within the Lobelia genus. Princess Flower is native to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Princess Flower is also known as Emperor's Candlesticks.
Princess Flower displays a spreading, low-growing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Princess Flower produces tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Princess Flower?
Lobelia columnaris requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Princess Flower Need?
Princess Flower thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Princess Flower Prefer?
Lobelia columnaris grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Princess Flower prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Princess Flower?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Princess Flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Princess Flower?
Feed Princess Flower 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 Princess Flower?
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 Princess Flower?
Princess Flower can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cardinal flower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Princess Flower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Princess Flower, 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 Princess Flower?
Princess Flower is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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 Princess Flower Need?
Princess Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Princess Flower is native to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Princess Flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Princess Flower 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 Lobelia genus — compare its care with other Lobelia species on PlantoScan.
Lobelia is part of the Campanulaceae plant family — browse all Campanulaceae genera and species.
Princess Flower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lobelia Species
Other Lobelia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lobelia columnaris Hook.f., family Campanulaceae (first published in J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 6: 14 (1861)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Princess Flower, 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.
- Photo: 116916927065934112165, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, 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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