Lophostachys falcata Plant Care

Lophostachys falcata (Lophostachys falcata) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Lophostachys genus. Lophostachys falcata is native to the Caatinga and Cerrado vegetation of Brazil and Bolivia.

Lophostachys falcata displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Lophostachys falcata produces tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lophostachys falcata 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.

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

Lophostachys falcata tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Lophostachys falcata 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 like compost. Good drainage is essential for Lophostachys falcata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lophostachys falcata 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 well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lophostachys falcata is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Lophostachys falcata 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 Lophostachys falcata 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.

Lophostachys falcata is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Lophostachys falcata can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds.

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Lophostachys falcata 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.

Lophostachys falcata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Lophostachys falcata is native to the Caatinga and Cerrado vegetation of Brazil and Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Lophostachys falcata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.