Tibouchina heteromalla reaches an average height of 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m), with a maximum of about 8–10 feet (2.4–3.0 m) in its native habitat. The branching stem is woody and the large, silvery green leaves are simple, ovate, velvety in texture, and oppositely arranged. The inflorescence is a panicle of several purple flowers with five petals. The plant has 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long leaves, with prominent veins that are puffed up in the middle and old leaves will often turn a beautiful orange color just prior to dropping off.
Tibouchina Heteromalla Care
Tibouchina Heteromalla



How to Care for the Plant

Water

Keep your plant regularly moist during its growing season and throughout the summer—a deep weekly soaking should work fine. You can reduce your watering cadence in the winter months, but you should never let your plant dry out completely.

Pruning

In the home, the first rule of thumb is to keep your tibouchina closely trimmed by pinching off new growth shoots and gently shaping the plant to contain its sprawling growth. This will likely slow down its growth and reduce the frequency of repotting.

Fertilizer

Feed your tibouchina plant during its growing season with liquid fertilizer or a controlled-release fertilizer, used according to label instructions.

Sunlight

Tibouchina prefers bright, filtered sunlight. In general, direct summer sunlight is just a bit too strong, but it will not flower correctly without at least six to eight hours of bright light a day. Choose a place in your home that received consistent diffused light, or move the plant around your home periodically if necessary.

Soil

Plant your tibouchina in a loose, well-drained potting soil mixture. You want to keep your plant from becoming waterlogged, so choose a pot that has ample drainage in its base.

Temperature

Tibouchina flowers in the late spring or mid-summer. They'll do well with little environmental fluctuation and should be kept in temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Tibouchina disikes extreme hot or cold temperatures and should be kept away from any harsh drafts or breezes.

Container

When you do repot the plant, go up one pot size and use fresh soil.

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