Aphelandra Aurantiaca

Description

Aphelandra Aurantiaca, also known as the Orange Shrimp Plant or the Golden Aphelandra, is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to Brazil. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is highly valued for its vibrant and colorful blooms. The plant produces bright orange flowers that are arranged in clusters, making it an excellent choice for indoor decoration.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Lamiales
Family	Acanthaceae
Genus	Aphelandra

Appearance

The Aphelandra Aurantiaca plant can grow up to 2-3 feet in height and has a width of 1-2 feet. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a length of 4-8 inches and a width of 2-4 inches. The plant produces bright orange flowers that are around 1 inch in diameter, and they are arranged in clusters at the end of the stem. The flowers are long-lasting and can stay on the plant for up to six weeks.

Care Guide

The Aphelandra Aurantiaca plant requires specific care and attention to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful plant:

• Water: The plant requires regular watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry.
• Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Soil: The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: The plant requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 10-11 and can be grown indoors in other zones.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Aphelandra Aurantiaca plant is susceptible to pests and diseases, which can damage its leaves and flowers. Here are some common pests and diseases to look out for:

• Spider Mites: These pests can cause webbing on the leaves and cause them to turn yellow. Use an insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
• Mealybugs: These pests can appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems. Use alcohol to remove mealybugs.
• Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the roots to rot. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and allow the top inch of the soil to dry before watering.

Habitat

The Aphelandra Aurantiaca plant is native to Brazil and can be found growing in tropical rainforests. The plant requires warm and humid conditions to grow and thrive.

Question and Answer

Q: Can the Aphelandra Aurantiaca plant be grown outdoors?

A: The plant is hardy in zones 10-11 and can be grown outdoors in warm and humid climates.

Q: How often should I water my Aphelandra Aurantiaca plant?

A: The plant should be watered when the top inch of the soil is dry. Water the plant regularly to ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.

Q: What type of soil is best for the Aphelandra Aurantiaca plant?

A: The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Aphelandra Aurantiaca plant?

A: The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Related Plants

• Aphelandra Squarrosa
• Aphelandra Sinclairiana
• Aphelandra Tetragona

References

• BBC Gardeners World. (n.d.). Aphelandra aurantiaca. Retrieved from https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/aphelandra-aurantiaca/
• Gardening Know How. (n.d.). Aphelandra Plant Care: Tips On How To Grow Aphelandra Indoors. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/shrimp-plant/growing-shrimp-plants.htm
• Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Aphelandra aurantiaca. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17977/Aphelandra-aurantiaca/Details