Contents
Description
Phyllagathis Elattandra, also known as the Pink Lipstick Plant, is a beautiful plant that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. Native to Malaysia, this plant species is known for its attractive pink flowers that bloom throughout the year. It has a unique growth habit, which makes it a perfect houseplant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Genus | Phyllagathis |
Appearance
Phyllagathis Elattandra has a unique growth habit, with its leaves forming a rosette-like arrangement. The leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, and have a glossy texture. The plant can grow up to 30 cm tall and 20 cm wide. Its attractive pink flowers bloom throughout the year, and each flower has a distinctive lipstick shape, hence its common name Pink Lipstick Plant.
Care Guide
Phyllagathis Elattandra is an easy-to-care-for plant. Here are some tips on how to properly care for this plant:
Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once a week, but adjust the frequency depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer. During the plant’s growing season, use a fertilizer with a higher concentration of phosphorus to encourage blooming.
Soil: Use well-draining soil for the plant. A mix of peat, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.
Sunlight: Phyllagathis Elattandra prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Hardiness Zones: This plant thrives in warm, humid environments and is not frost-tolerant. It is best suited for hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phyllagathis Elattandra is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can still be susceptible to some pests and diseases such as spider mites, mealybugs, and root rot. To prevent these issues, make sure to keep the plant’s environment clean and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Phyllagathis Elattandra is native to Malaysia, where it grows in tropical forests and rocky terrain. It prefers warm, humid environments and thrives in areas with high rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Phyllagathis Elattandra be grown outdoors?
A: Phyllagathis Elattandra is best grown indoors or in a greenhouse. It is not frost-tolerant and prefers warm, humid environments.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Phyllagathis Elattandra?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer. During the plant’s growing season, use a fertilizer with a higher concentration of phosphorus to encourage blooming.
Q: How do I prevent spider mites from infesting my Phyllagathis Elattandra?
A: To prevent spider mites, keep the plant’s environment clean and avoid overwatering. Spider mites thrive in dry, dusty conditions, so make sure to regularly wipe the plant’s leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and dust-free.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Phyllagathis Elattandra?
A: Phyllagathis Elattandra thrives in warm, humid environments with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
Related Plants
- Phyllagathis Rotundifolia
- Phyllagathis Villosa
- Phyllagathis Sessilifolia
References
- “Phyllagathis Elattandra.” World Flora Online. Accessed 10 Sept 2021. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000168179
- “Phyllagathis Elattandra (C.B.Clarke) C.B.Clarke.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 10 Sept 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:710268-1
- “Phyllagathis Elattandra.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 10 Sept 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286146&isprofile=0&
