Conostegia Icosandra

Description

Conostegia Icosandra, also known as the Melastome Family or Bush Kanawa, is a tropical evergreen shrub that is native to Central and South America. It can grow up to 20 feet tall in its natural habitat but usually grows to around 4-6 feet tall when grown as a houseplant. Its leaves are dark green, shiny, and have a slightly quilted texture. It produces clusters of small pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer and fall.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Conostegia Icosandra is a dense and bushy shrub that has an upright growth habit. Its leaves are oval-shaped and grow to be about 3-6 inches long. They have a slightly quilted texture and are dark green in color. The plant produces clusters of small pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. These flowers are about 1/2 inch in diameter and have five petals each. They are followed by small, round, purple-black berries that are about 1/4 inch in diameter.

Care Guide

Conostegia Icosandra is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:

Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilization: Feed your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter months.

Soil: Plant your Conostegia Icosandra in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.

Sunlight: This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.

Hardiness Zones: Conostegia Icosandra is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. It can be grown indoors in colder climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

Conostegia Icosandra is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and mealybugs. Keep an eye out for these pests and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Conostegia Icosandra is native to Central and South America, where it grows in tropical rainforests. It prefers warm, humid conditions and does well in temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be grown as a houseplant in colder climates.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Conostegia Icosandra toxic to pets?

A: Yes, Conostegia Icosandra is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets, or choose a different plant if you have pets that like to chew on plants.

Q: How often should I prune my Conostegia Icosandra?

A: Prune your plant as needed to control its size or shape. You can also prune off any dead or diseased growth to keep your plant healthy.

Q: Can I propagate Conostegia Icosandra from cuttings?

A: Yes, Conostegia Icosandra can be propagated from stem cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist potting soil and keep it in a warm, humid location until it roots.

Q: How often should I repot my Conostegia Icosandra?

A: Repot your plant every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot. Choose a pot that is one size larger and use fresh potting soil.

Related Plants

Here are some other plants that are related to Conostegia Icosandra:

• Conostegia xalapensis
• Conostegia subcrustulata
• Conostegia venusta
• Conostegia xalapensis

References

• “Conostegia Icosandra.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281481&isprofile=0&
• “Conostegia Icosandra.” Plant Care Today, www.plantcaretoday.com/conostegia-icosandra
• “Bush Kanawa.” Floridata, www.floridata.com/Plants/Melastomataceae/Conostegia%20icosandra/300