Acanthus ilicifolius
TAXONOMY
FamilyAcanthaceae
GenusAcanthus
Zone10
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Acanthus ilicifolius, commonly known as Sea Holly or Holy Mangrove, is a species of shrub in the family Acanthaceae. It is native to coastal regions and mangrove forests in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The plant is known for its spiny leaves and purple flowers. It does not have a dormancy period and is adapted to wet, saline environments.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Dilivaria Ilicifolia
Acanthus doloarin
Acanthus ilicifolius subsp. orientalis
Acanthus ilicifolius var. subinteger
Acanthus neoguineensis
Holly-leaved acanthus
OVERVIEW
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity80%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Acanthus ilicifolius thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers warm, humid conditions. It should be watered frequently to keep the soil consistently wet. The plant does well in moderate temperatures and high humidity. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.Soil
This plant prefers loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be well-draining but kept consistently moist. It can tolerate saline conditions, making it suitable for coastal areas.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied during the growing season. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks to ensure the plant receives adequate nutrients.Repotting
Repotting is recommended every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Acanthus ilicifolius can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For cuttings, take a healthy stem and place it in water or moist soil until roots develop. Propagation is best done during the growing season.Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth. Remove dead or damaged leaves and stems regularly. Prune after the flowering season to promote bushier growth.Toxicity
Acanthus ilicifolius is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, its spiny leaves can cause minor skin irritation if handled without care.Additional
This plant is well-suited for coastal gardens and can be used for erosion control in wet, saline environments. It is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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