PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires bright full sun to partial shade; abundant sunlight supports maximum blooming
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 18–26°C; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, ovate, velvety green with prominent, raised veins
- Flower: Starts pale pink, deepens to violet-purple over 2–3 days; 5 rounded petals in clustered inflorescences
- Stem: Woody, covered in fine brown trichomes (hairs)
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; increase frequency during heatwaves
Fertilization
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
Banana peel tea：Soak chopped banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:10 before drenching soil to avoid nutrient buildupPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
- Prune overgrown branches in early spring to maintain a compact, rounded shape
- Remove damaged or diseased foliage promptly to prevent pest or disease spread
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; cut flowers for floral arrangements
