Aphelandra tetragona

Squarestem Aphelandra

Message of the Flower

Sharp Tongue

The Mother’s Comment

Unfortunately too frequent.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

The Mother's warning to you against the undesirability of too much talk, loose chat and gossip, social self-dispersion was entirely meant and stands; when you indulge in these things, you throw yourself out into a very small and ignorant consciousness in which your vital defects get free play and this is likely to bring you out of what you have developed in your inner consciousness.

Sri Aurobindo, The Mother with Letters on The Mother: The Mother's Way of Dealing with Sadhaks

I have had the experience myself that one can be fully concentrated and be in union with the Divine even while working physically with one's hands; but naturally this asks for a little practice, and for this the most important thing to avoid is useless talking. It is not work but useless talk which takes us away from the Divine.

The Mother, Some Answers from the Mother: Letters to a Young Sadhak - VI

Colour

Orange

Family

Acanthaceae

Flower Size

Small, part of larger inflorescences

Flower Texture

Smooth

Number of Petals

Four

Floral Symmetry

Bilateral

Fragrance of Flower

Minimal

Leaf Texture

Glossy and veined

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Dark green with lighter veins

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Sporadic throughout the year

Climate

Tropical or subtropical

Water Requirements

High, consistent moisture

Soil Type

Rich, well-drained potting mix

Temperature Ranges

Prefers warm environments, not cold-tolerant

Sun or Shade

Bright, indirect light or partial shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Spider mites, aphids, leaf spot

Pollinators

Not significant

Habitat

Tropical forests

Role in the Ecosystem

Ornamental, supports local wildlife in native habitats

Quotations

Not commonly quoted

Ornamental

Valued for decorative leaves and flowers

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Interior decoration

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered