Countless plants withered.
But I don't look back. If I do, I won't be able to keep my sanity...

My name is Suzuki and I've been gardening as a hobby for 13 years.
This is a section that introduces only plants that we have actually grown.

This time we will introduce Aphelandra dania, which is characterized by its white leaf veins.

What is Aphelandra dania?

Aphelandra is a plant native to tropical America. "Dania" is a cultivated variety of "Squalosa", which is native to Brazil.
It is a shrub and the larger ones can grow to about 2m, but I have never seen one that big.

Easy to understand is justice

The most important thing to pay attention to when it comes to plants is watering, especially when growing a new variety.
You need to be careful because if the roots rot, there is a good chance the plant will die.

My personal approach is to water sparingly until the plant gets used to it.
Maybe I was too conservative, because when I returned home after being away for two days, the leaves of the dunia were limp, like a deflated balloon...

"I did it..."
I thought that, but when I watered it, it came back to life with a bang.

I was really surprised at first because I had never grown a variety whose leaves drooped so much.

Even if the leaves droop, they will revive if you water them at that point, so the signs are easy to understand and the plant is easy to grow.

I still love water

It absorbs water very well, and the pot dries out the fastest out of all the plants I'm growing.
Keep it indoors in the winter. In a place that is not very sunny, heat it only at night, and even without a circulator, the soil dries out quite easily.
(This year I will make sure to use the air circulator properly (I regret it))

Flowers are also good

It has never bloomed in my garden, but I have seen it for sale with flowers still in bloom.
It produces very bright and vibrant yellow flowers.

The flowers on top of their heads make them look like they're wearing a crown, which is very cute.

Plant Gachimeter

Finally, I'll give "Aphelandra Dania" a score based on my very personal opinion.

-Ease of growing: There are 17 watering signs, so you don't need to use "Susti".
It is also recommended as an introduction to houseplants.

- Ease of training: 19 points. It grows straight without leaning towards the sun.

Growth rate: 17 points, average impression. It grows steadily.

・Suitability for Osaka: 18 points. Seems fine except for the cold.

・Likeability: 18 points. The faded white of the leaves is lovely. Affordable and easy on the wallet.

Overall score: 89 points

 

That's all, Editor-in-Chief.

Author: Suzuki Edited by: Kambara