Ribbon bush ‘Hypoestes aristata’

Description

Ribbon bush
Hypoestes aristata

Growing Conditions
SUNLIGHT
Dappled shade to semi-shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun
WATERING
Water 2-3 times weekly in summer, allowing top 2-3cm of soil to dry between waterings; reduce to weekly in winter
SOIL TYPE
Well-draining, humus-rich loam with compost; tolerates sandy soils if enriched with organic matter
TEMPERATURE
5–35°C; frost-tender and requires protection below 5°C
HUMIDITY
Moderate to high humidity (50-70%); benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture
FERTILISING
Apply slow-release organic fertiliser in early spring and mid-summer, or liquid feed monthly during growing season
GROWTH RATE
Moderate to fast; can grow 30-50cm per season under ideal conditions with regular moisture
MATURE SIZE
1–1.5 metres height x 0.8–1.2 metres spread
Indoor Suitability
Can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light near windows, but performs best outdoors where it receives dappled shade and benefits from natural air circulation and higher humidity.
Did You Know?
The Ribbon bush produces distinctive tubular mauve flowers with ribboning white stripes that twist as they mature, creating a striped candy-cane effect that attracts sunbirds which are perfectly adapted to feed from these long, narrow blooms with their curved beaks.