Metarungia galpinii Plant Care

Metarungia galpinii (Metarungia galpinii) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Metarungia genus. Metarungia galpinii is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

Metarungia galpinii displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Metarungia galpinii produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Metarungia galpinii 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.

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

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

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Metarungia galpinii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Metarungia galpinii 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, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Metarungia galpinii 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.

Metarungia galpinii 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 Metarungia galpinii 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.

Metarungia galpinii 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.

Metarungia galpinii can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division.

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

Metarungia galpinii 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.

Metarungia galpinii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Metarungia galpinii is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Metarungia galpinii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.