Date:
How to get Strophanthus tree to bloom?
Q: I purchased from you three of these plants - Strophanthus bovinii and I wonder if you could help me. The plants are out of control growing large limbs to the sides and I would like it to grow more upright. Is this possible? Second, it does not flower. What type of fertilizer should I use and how often? How about the watering schedule? I have them in an eastern exposure but possibly they are not getting enough sun? Right in front of them, there is a large tree outside the curb of my house. What should I do about that?
A: Strophanthus bovinii - Wood shaving flower, is quite a unique plant
that is very rare in cultivation, this is why very little information is
available on its cultivation due to limited experience among gardeners. We have had
this plant in our garden for over 12 years and this is what we can advise.
In the nature (Madagascar) it supposedly grows into a large tree, however,
from our experience, it tends to be rather bushy, umbrella-like large shrub.
Yes, you can train it into a tree by trimming branches growing side-wise, and
by removing lower branches. The best time for pruning is early spring when
the tree starts new growth and re-leafs (it is semi-deciduous).
As far as flowering, the plant is very particular about blooming season,
with profuse flowering in Summer (here in SW Florida), however it may produce
more flowers sporadically throughout the year.
It thrives in full sun but will tolerate bright filtered light. If a large
tree is shading it too much, try to trim some limbs of that large tree to
allow more light. Water needs of Strophanthus bovinii are very moderate, so you
can rely on your sprinkler system or water once a week for established
plants.
You should use 2 types of fertilizers - slow release (once a month) and
water-soluble bloom booster (frequent applications are safe):
Pink N Good Daily Plant Food - Flower Booster
Tropical Allure - Smart-Release Booster
Medusas Head Flower - from Greek mythology
Strophanthus preussii - Poison Arrow Vine, Medusa Flower
Strophanthus preussii - Poison Arrow Vine, Medusa Flower
Strophanthus preussii - Poison Arrow Vine, Medusa Flower
- 🐙 Strophanthus preussii - Poison Arrow Vine, Medusa Flower - has an intriguing flower!
- 🐙 The faintly fragrant flowers have long, slender, and curly petals that resemble the snakes on Medusa's head from Greek mythology, giving it the nickname "Medusa Flower." The petals often extend and twist dramatically, creating an eye-catching appearance. The tips of the petals become narrowed and elongated, forming a twisting, sticky string that dangles down from the flower and touches lower leaves.
- 🐙 The flowers are brightly colored, often in shades of white, yellow, and red, which can attract pollinators and add to their striking visual appeal.
- 🐙 As suggested by another common name "Poison Arrow Vine," parts of the plant contain toxic compounds. Historically, the seeds were used by some African tribes to poison the tips of arrows for hunting. This gives the plant a certain mystique...
- 🐙 Interesting pollination mechanism: the elaborate design of the flowers is not just for show; it plays a role in the plant's pollination strategy. The intricate structure can help ensure that pollinators come into contact with the reproductive parts of the flower, thereby facilitating cross-pollination.
- 🐙 Blooms almost year around
❓ What bizarre plants do you have in your collection? Share in comments👇
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Wood Chip Flower - Strophanthus bovinii
It's a real plant, called Wood Chip Flower - Strophanthus bovinii - blooming now in our garden.
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Date:
Capricorn - 12/22 - 1/19.
An EARTH sign ruled by the planet Saturn. Capricorn's plants usually have few flowers, or small flowers, are knobby or woody, and may have an unpleasant smell or taste. Saturn rules plants with long lives and slow growth, so plants with annual rings are also associated with the Goat.
Physiologically, Saturn rules the systems that give the body its structure and form: the skeletal system, and the skin, teeth, joints, and knees, so plants that are high in calcium can be very beneficial. Those can be woody plants and shrubs that show annual rings, as well as some poisonous or narcotic plants. Saturn plants are useful in treating arthritis and rheumatism. Traditional Capricorn appreciates a spice that is powerful but familiar. Black pepper adds flavor and a bit of heat to both food and life, creating movement without too much change.
Capricorn Zodiac lucky plants:
Baobab, Peach Palm, Patchouli, Bamboo, Cordyline, Spider Lily, Serissa, Desert Rose, Croton, Aloe, Palms, Giraffe knee plant - Gonatopus boivinii, Adenanthera, Black Pepper, Solanums, Loquat, Aglaonema, Jacaranda, Rosemary, Shisham - Dalbergia sissoo, Neem Tree, Calendula, Brugmansia, Cannabis, Coca, Kava-Kava, Root Beer plant, Kratom, Banesteriopsis, Psychotria, Quince, Almonds, Ginkgo, Olive, Strophanthus, Bread Flower, Amorphophallus, Areca Palm, Anadenanthera, all Pipers, Brunfelsia, Chaya, Persimmons, Surinam Cherry, Bel Fruit, Ashoka Tree, Calla Lily.
For other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.
Family:Apocynaceae
Strophanthus
A group of tropical plants belonging to the dogbane family, native to Africa and Asia. Seeds of the handsome climber Strophanthus gratus and Strophanthus kombe yield a poison, strophantin, which is used on arrowheads in hunting, and in medicine as a heart stimulant.
These frost-tender plants prefer a protected, part-shaded position and fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil.
Exotic species of Strophanthus:
Strophanthus hispidus
Strophanthus kombe
Strophanthus petersianus - Sand Forest Poison Rope, scrambling shrub, creamy white flowers, pinkish red on outside, dangling petal lobes.
See detailed plant profile in new window: https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/strophanthus_sp.htm
Family:Apocynaceae
Strophanthus
Strophanthus wallichii is a perennial vine or creeper, native to Indian subcontinent. It is an ethnomedical plant, commonly used in traditional medicine in India. The plant has long, dark green leaves and its bark is light red-brown in color. The bright red and crimson, vinous flowers sprout from the twig ends of the vines in February-March.
This plant is best suited to growing in a pot and prefers a sunny or semi-shaded position. It grows very well in USDA Zone 9-11. It is a fairly drought-tolerant plant but regular watering is recommended during the summer months.
If you are growing Strophanthus wallichii in a pot in a region where the temperature falls to low levels, then it is important to take extra care when caring for the plant. Make sure the pot has adequate drainage, as this will help in keeping the root system of the plant protected in cold weather. When the temperature falls below 40Fs, it is important to provide some protection to the plant by moving it to a location with better protection from cold winds.
Regular pruning of the plant is recommended not just to ensure optimal growth, but also to help keep the size of the vine from becoming too large. Strophanthus wallichii responds well to fertilizer, so it is recommended to give the plant a dose of fertilizer every 3 months or so.
Overall, Strophanthus wallichii is a beautiful and rewarding plant to have in your garden. With the right care, it will bring its vibrant red, crimson and vinous flowers to life and help create a stunning display in your garden.
See detailed plant profile in new window: https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/strophanthus_wallichii.htm
Family:Apocynaceae
Wood Shaving Flower
Very unusual strophanthus with orange-brown flowers that look like carved out of wood with petals curled like a wooden shavings. This flower is very unique, looking almost artificial. Bright orange twisted petals with yellow margins indeed look like fancy wood shavings. Very rare plant in cultivation, and hard to propagate. Spectacular eye stopper, it is in bloom 2-3 times a year! Drought tolerant,... more
| Strophanthus boivinii |  |
Learn more: How to get Strophanthus tree to bloom?
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Family:Apocynaceae
Medusa Gorgona, Red Rapunzel, Twisted Cord Flower
A large shrub or vine growing 5-10 feet tall, Strophanthus caudatus (Medusa Gorgona) is a tropical beauty with very unique, showy foliage and flowers. Native to Asia, it is a striking, fast-growing perennial with lush, rambling branches, adorned with large glossy green leaves, that twine and ramble along the ground and climb in the direction they are supported. To the observer, its vinous-red flowers are quite stunning, with their star-shaped petals dispersing outward from the center of the bloom. At the tip of each petal, an exotic red tendril twirls around and adds an extra special, and almost mesmerizing, charisma.
Strophanthus caudatus (Medusa Gorgona) needs full sun or semi-shade and regular water to thrive. It is cold hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 30F for a short period of time, making it a great choice for gardeners growing in USDA Zone 9-10. For colder regions, it can be grown in a pot and brought indoors during extreme cold spells.
The tropical beauty of Strophanthus caudatus (Medusa Gorgona) is worth the extra care it needs to keep it looking healthy. With its showy flowers, unique foliage, and cold hardiness, this is a great choice for gardeners looking for an exotic and vibrant addition to their garden. For best results, provide a rich, well-draining soil in full sun or semi-shade, and water regularly. Fertilize once a month during the growing season and trim occasionally to remove dead or damaged branches. If grown in a pot, make sure the container is large enough for the shrub and provide regular water. During cold winter months, move the pot indoors or provide more protection from cold temperatures. With a bit of love and care, this tropical Asian beauty will lend an element of exotic flair to your garden.
Family:Apocynaceae
Climbing oleander, Cream Fruit, Rose allamanda
Strophanthus gratus (Climbing oleander) is a fast-growing vine or creeper that is native to West Africa. Grown in USDA Zones 9-11, it requires full sun to semi-shade, regular water and prefers a fertile, humus-rich soil with good drainage. The pink flowers are especially attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, and boast a wonderfully fragrant scent. The flowers add texture to the gardens and create a stunning display.
In cold regions it is important to take precautions when growing Strophanthus gratus in a pot. The mature plant is cold hardy to at least to 30s F for a short period of time. However, if in doubt, it's best to move the potted plant inside during freezes.
With proper care and attention, Strophanthus gratus will be an attractive addition to your garden.
See detailed plant profile in new window: https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/strophanthus_gratus.htm
Family:Apocynaceae
Medusa-Flower, Poison Arrow Vine, Spider Tresses, Poison Dart Vine
Growth and Plant Care: Placed in the right conditions, this semi-tender deciduous perennial vine is relatively easy to care for and maintain. Strophanthus preussii - commonly known as the Medusa-Flower plant - is a climber or creeper mature plant that grows anywhere between 5 to 10 feet high and prefers to be planted in USDA Zones 10 to 11. To thrive, this large shrub requires to be planted in semi-shade and needs regular watering. The Medusa-FLower Plant is attractive for its off-white and vinous reddish-crimson flowers that also have a sweet, delicate fragrance. This deciduous plant can also attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other wildlife, given the right conditions. The mature plants are also moderate to good cold hardy and can withstand temperatures at least down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, though these plants may drop its leaves during cold season.
For those growing Medusa-Flower plants in a pot or container in cold regions, the plants need to be placed in a sheltered area, such as a porch or conservatory and supplied with extra mulch and insulation during the winter months. Furthermore, the container must provide sufficient drainage and be placed in semi-shade to protect roots from direct sunlight, especially during extreme temperatures. Regular watering is also key, but one should make sure to not over-water the plant or leave waterlogged soil in the pot. Also, feeding the Medusa-Flower is essential and can be done either prior to or shortly after flowering season.
Family:Apocynaceae
Corkscrew Flower, Forest Poison Rope, Forest Tail Flower
Rare rambling or vining evergreen shrub with clusters of unusual starfish-shaped flowers, sweetly scented.
Detailed plant profiles: 7 plants found