Odontonema strictum is a species of plant in the family Acanthaceae which is endemic to South America. The plant grows to a height of two metres or half that if it grown in a container. The waxy flowers grow in twelve inch spikes and in their native country they attract hummingbirds and butterflies when they bloom in the autumn.[1]

Odontonema strictum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Odontonema
Species:
O. strictum
Binomial name
Odontonema strictum

Position : Plant them where they receive bright light to ensure it flowers well. Preferably no harsh afternoon sun. They tolerate shade for half of the day but rather no more.

Pests : not a garden plant prone to many pests, thus low maintenance in that regard.

Propagation : Roots easily from semi-soft cuttings. Tip the growing tips a few times to promote a compact plant before you allow it to mature.

Growth habit : Multi-branched plant, straight from the ground. Produces long slender branches if exposed to too little sun. Prune the plant back when the growth is too tall, causing it to fall open. Moderately fast growing.

Watering requirements : Moderate watering

References

edit
  1. ^ Odontnema strictum Archived 2012-06-15 at the Wayback Machine, plantoftheweek.org, accessed August 2012