Whitfieldia oblongifolia Plant Care

Whitfieldia oblongifolia (Whitfieldia preussii) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Whitfieldia genus. Whitfieldia oblongifolia is native to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Whitfieldia oblongifolia is also known as Whitfieldia longiflora.

Whitfieldia oblongifolia displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Whitfieldia oblongifolia produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Whitfieldia oblongifolia 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.

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

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

Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite for added drainage. Good drainage is essential for Whitfieldia oblongifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Whitfieldia oblongifolia 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, peat-based potting mix with perlite for added drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Whitfieldia oblongifolia is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Whitfieldia oblongifolia can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Whitfieldia oblongifolia 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.

Whitfieldia oblongifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Whitfieldia oblongifolia can be propagated through stem cuttings, division.

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

Whitfieldia oblongifolia 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.

Whitfieldia oblongifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Whitfieldia oblongifolia is native to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Whitfieldia oblongifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.