Graptophyllum pictum

Graptophyllum pictum Graptophyllum pictum

What is the plant

Graptophyllum pictum, the caricature-plant, is a shrub in the family Acanthaceae. It is native to New Guinea. There are two varieties: the variegated color one is known as 'white adulsa', and is used combined with coconut water to reduce swelling.

Caricature plant (Graptophyllum pictum) is an evergreen, ornamental shrub. It can grow to 6 – 9 ft tall. Graptophyllum pictum is basically grown for its variegated foliage. Oval to elliptic leaves is deep green varyingly blotched with cream along the midveins. Terminal clusters of red to purple-red tubular blossoms with protruding stamens bloom in summer. The plant is widely distributed throughout the tropics, where it has been grown as an ornamental plant in gardens for decades.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 25°C

Hardiness zone

9b - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Water
Graptophyllum prefers increased humidity, it needs regular spraying or maintenance in dishes with wet pebbles or expanded clay. However, it can also adapt to the dry air of the apartment. In the summer, abundant watering is required, especially in conditions of high air temperature. With insufficient moisture, the leaves quickly lose the turgor, which, as a rule, is restored after watering. In winter, water less often.
Sunlight
It is best to use a bright light, you can grow on a southern window, but in the summer it will require shading. It can also grow on the west and east window. In low light, the color of the leaves dims.
Fertilizer
From spring to autumn fertilize with complex mineral fertilizers approximately once every 3-4 weeks.

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Soil
It is best to use a loose breathable substrate consisting, for example, 1 part humus, 1 part of the turf soil, 1 part peat, 1 part perlite or sand.
Temperature
The plant is thermophilic, in summer it prefers the temperature of +73,4-82,4°F, in the winter not below + 60,8-64,4°F.
Container
Choose any type of container with enough drainage holes. Place the pot on a tray with pebbles.