Graptophyllum pictum

Caricature Plant

Message of the Flower

Vital Impulses

The Mother’s Comment

Look like nothing at all, but assert themselves and are stubborn.

Colour

red, purple, or pink.

Family

Acanthaceae

Cultivars

Includes varieties with different leaf colorations.

Flower Size

Small to medium-sized.

Flower Texture

Smooth and somewhat delicate.

Number of Petals

Fused petals forming a tube, typically five lobes.

Floral Symmetry

Bilaterally symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

little to no scent

Leaf Texture

Smooth, sometimes glossy.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Variegated, often green with pink, cream, or white patterns.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Blooms sporadically throughout the year in tropical climates.

Climate

Prefers tropical to subtropical climates.

Water Requirements

Moderate; prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile soil.

Temperature Ranges

Warm temperatures, not frost-tolerant.

Sun or Shade

Prefers partial shade to full sun.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Can be susceptible to common pests like aphids and diseases such as leaf spot.

Pollinators

Attracts butterflies and other pollinators.

Habitat

Native to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands; commonly cultivated in tropical gardens.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators; ornamental leaves add aesthetic value to the landscape.

Ornamental

Widely grown for its ornamental foliage.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Mainly ornamental.

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered.