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Description
Pleroma Tibouchinum, also known as the Tibouchina heteromalla or Silverleafed Princess Flower, is a gorgeous plant native to Brazil. It belongs to the Melastomataceae family and is popular for its stunning purple flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. The plant has a woody stem, which can grow up to 10 feet tall in its natural habitat.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota||————–|—————|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Magnoliophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Myrtales|| Family| Melastomataceae|| Genus| Pleroma|
Appearance
Pleroma Tibouchinum has large, velvety, silver-green leaves that can grow up to 10 inches long. The plant’s flowers are its most striking feature, with vibrant purple petals that surround a yellow center. The flowers bloom in clusters and can measure up to 4 inches in diameter. The plant’s fruit is a small capsule that is not ornamental.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Pleroma Tibouchinum thrives, follow these care instructions:- Water: The plant prefers consistently moist soil, so be sure to water it regularly. However, avoid waterlogging the soil.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.- Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Pleroma Tibouchinum is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pleroma Tibouchinum is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To prevent infestations, ensure that the plant is kept in a clean and well-ventilated area. The plant is also prone to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid watering the plant from above and ensure that there is adequate air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Pleroma Tibouchinum is native to Brazil and can be found growing in the Atlantic Forest, a tropical rainforest that extends along the Brazilian coast. The plant prefers humid and warm climates and can be grown in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pleroma Tibouchinum be grown indoors?
A: While Pleroma Tibouchinum can be grown in a container, it is best suited for outdoor cultivation.Q: How often should I water my Pleroma Tibouchinum?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Q: Can I grow Pleroma Tibouchinum in a colder climate?
A: Pleroma Tibouchinum is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11 and cannot tolerate frost.Q: How often should I fertilize my Pleroma Tibouchinum?
A: Fertilize the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
– Tibouchina granulosa- Tibouchina urvilleana- Melastoma malabathricum
References
– “Tibouchina heteromalla.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f149- “Pleroma Tibouchinum.” Plant Care Today. https://plantcaretoday.com/pleroma-tibouchinum.html- “Pleroma Tibouchinum.” World of Flowering Plants. https://worldoffloweringplants.com/pleroma-tibouchinum-tibouchina-heteromalla-silverleafed-princess-flower/
