| Life form | Shrub, grassy |
| Family | Acanthus – Acanthaceae |
| Origin | Madagascar |
| Ease of cultivation | Lung |
| The size | Can reach large sizes (H.aristata to 60 cm), but it is better to form a regular trimming plants 30 cm in height and width. Small plants look more attractive. |
| Growth rate | High, up to its maximum size grows in one season. |
| Lifespan | They live a long time, but it is desirable to rejuvenate the plant from the cuttings. |
| Temperature | In summer: preferably not higher than 75,2 ° F; in winter, a minimum of 62,6 ° F. |
| Humidity | Medium, carries the dry air of the rooms, but it is better to place it in a tray with wet gravel or spray every 2 days. |
| Lighting | He loves bright direct light, but on the southern window should be shaded. |
| The soil | 1 part of the garden land, 1 part of the leafy land, 1 part coarse sand or perlite and 1 part peat. Always use a pot with an opening. |
| Watering | Requires abundant watering, at least once in 2 days in summer, in winter more moderately – once a week. |
| Fertilizer | Once every 2 weeks, a liquid fertilizer in a half dose. According to some recommendations, the plant shall not be fed at all. |
| Reproduction | In spring, cut cuttings 5-8 cm long and put them in moist sand under a plastic wrap. At a temperature of 69,8 ° F, roots will soon appear. Plant the plant in a small pot and, as it grows, pinch the top twice for better branching. Cuttings easily take root in the water. Easily propagated by seeds, which are sown in the spring in a tray with a peat-sand mixture. From above only slightly sprinkled with earth, cover with glass or a film, put in a dark place. After germination, transfer to light. When they grow up, sit down on different pots. |
| Bloom | All summer and autumn bloom, until December, with small lilac flowers that do not represent decorative value, they are better to be removed. |
| Transfer | Transplant every year in the spring to replace the land with fresh. Ensure that there is good drainage. |
| Features of care | The main difficulty is the formation of an attractive appearance of the plant. The plant should be cut regularly for branching. He does not like smoke, gas products, drafts. At the same time, it needs airing. |
| Difficulties | It is affected by a spider mite and scutellum. The bright color of the leaves pales, the plant is strongly stretched in low light. The plant looks wilted and weakened if it is cold and it is in very wet soil. . |
| Air cleaning | – |
| Toxicity | – |
