Contents
Description
Microtoena Patchoulii, also known as the Miniature Toena or the Miniature Golden Shrimp Plant, is a beautiful tropical plant that belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is native to Central and South America, and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. This plant is known for its colorful golden yellow bracts that surround small white flowers. The leaves are oval shaped, and they are a rich green color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Genus: | Microtoena |
Appearance
The Microtoena Patchoulii is a stunning plant that can add a pop of color to any garden or indoor space. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, and its leaves are oval shaped and a rich green color. The plant’s most striking feature is its golden yellow bracts that surround small white flowers. These bracts can grow up to 2.5cm in length and 1.5cm in width. The flowers bloom in the summer and fall, and the plant can continue to produce blooms throughout the year in optimal growing conditions.
Care Guide
To ensure your Microtoena Patchoulii thrives, you need to provide it with proper care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant requires moderate watering, and you should allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Use a well-draining potting soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can thrive in zones 10-12, but it can also be grown indoors in colder climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Microtoena Patchoulii is susceptible to pests and diseases. Some of the most common issues include:- Spider Mites: These pests can cause webbing on the plant and damage the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control these pests.- Mealybugs: These pests appear as white, cotton-like masses on the plant. Use insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol to control them.- Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between watering and make sure the pot has adequate drainage.
Habitat
The Microtoena Patchoulii is native to Central and South America. It can thrive in tropical environments, but it can also be grown indoors in colder climates. The plant prefers well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Microtoena Patchoulii be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should I water the Microtoena Patchoulii?
A: The plant requires moderate watering, and you should allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Q: What is the ideal temperature for the Microtoena Patchoulii?
A: The plant prefers warm temperatures between 20-30°C.
Q: Does the Microtoena Patchoulii attract wildlife?
A: The plant can attract bees and butterflies when it blooms.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Microtoena Patchoulii:- Golden Shrimp Plant (Pachystachys lutea)- Pink Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeeana)- Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)
References
– “Microtoena Patchoulii (Miniature Toena).” World of Flowering Plants, 2019, worldoffloweringplants.com/microtoena-patchoulii-miniature-toena/.- “Microtoena Patchoulii.” Gardening Know How, 2021, gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/golden-shrimp-plant/growing-golden-shrimp-plants.htm.- “Microtoena Patchoulii.” Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c414.
