Genus · Acanthaceae
Aphelandra
2 species tracked in Horta’s catalog, and the named cultivars growers keep. Walk down to a species for its full care record, or into a cultivar for its traits and provenance.
Species in this genus
The ones growers meet most — each links to its own page.
Aphelandra squarrosa
Saffron Spike
A subshrub from the warm, humid forests of eastern Brazil, this plant grows in dappled understory light rather than open sun. Give it bright indirect light and keep it warm; water when the top inch of mix has dried, then water thoroughly and let it approach dryness again. It dislikes both standing water and prolonged drought, and benefits from consistent humidity.
Aphelandra sinclairiana
Coral Aphelandra
Aphelandra sinclairiana is a shrub to small tree from the warm, humid lowland forests of Central America, where it grows in the dappled light beneath taller canopy. Give it bright indirect light and steady warmth, and water when the top inch of mix has dried, keeping it evenly moist but never soggy. As a forest understory plant it favors higher humidity and steady conditions, so avoid cold drafts and direct midday sun.
About the genus
A genus-level overview — shared traits, history, the botany that ties these plants together — is on its way. For now, the species and cultivars above and below carry the genus.
Kept true by its growers
Aphelandra keeps evolving — species move, cultivars appear, IDs get corrected. If you can place an unplaced plant or add a species we’re missing, the whole genus gets truer.
Overview derived from 2 tracked species · the contribute flow arrives with the next slice.