Preuss' strophanthus

Preuss' strophanthus Care

Strophanthus preussii

What is the plant

Strophanthus preussii is an ornamental plant strongly valued by plant lovers for its extraordinary beautiful flowers with rust-colored throats. This plant is quite demanding and needs specific conditions to thrive, so it may not be the best choice for a novice gardener.

Strophanthus is a native of African forests. It prefers moist areas and can grow up to 40ft (12m) long in its homeland. It can grow as a shrub sometimes, but usually, it adopts a twining habit and grows into nearby trees for support. The plant has glossy leaves with trumpet-shaped flowers. It's also easy to identify by its remarkable drooping streamers.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

15°C - 23°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water your Strophanthus regularly so that the soil is moist but not soggy. Pinch the top soil one inch (2.5 cm) deep. If the soil is dry, it’s time to give your plant a sip.
Pruning
If you want to keep it compact and shrub-like, pinch the longer stems occasionally. Prune old and dead leaves when necessary.
Fertilizer
In spring, fertilize with a diluted all-purpose fertilizer.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Bright but indirect light is best for Strophanthus. Excessive direct sun can damage the leaves. It's best to place your greenie next to an east-facing window.
Soil
Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, and somewhat alkaline soil will work best. A mixture of loam and peat or compost should satisfy Strophanthus.
Propagation
You can propagate the plant through seed or soft wood cuttings in spring. Let a long pod – a fruit with the seed – dry on the plant. Plant the seeds in alkaline soil with good drainage, and keep them in a low-light place until the seedlings sprout. Then, move the seedlings to a brighter place.

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Temperature
This is a tropical plant that needs consistently warm temperatures. Keep the temperature between 74-80°F (23-26°C), and avoid cold drafts.
Container
Choose a container that’s at least twice larger in diameter than the plant’s nursery pot. Make sure it has good drainage.
Fun fact
Sometimes the plant is called Spider Tresses or Poison Arrow flower.