About Caricature Plant
A striking foliage shrub with dark green leaves featuring bold cream, pink, or yellow variegation in the center — each leaf looks like a painted portrait, hence 'caricature plant.' Also used in traditional Filipino herbal medicine. Caricature Plant belongs to the Acanthaceae family and originates from New Guinea and Pacific Islands; naturalized throughout the Philippines..
Called 'remedio' in many Filipino communities because of its traditional medicinal uses — leaf poultices for wounds and boils. It's a common backyard plant throughout the Philippines, often used as a living fence or hedge. Very easy to grow from cuttings shared between neighbors. Found in both urban and rural Filipino gardens from Luzon to Mindanao.
Also known as: Graptophyllum, Joseph's Coat Tree.
Popular Varieties
- Green with cream center (most common)
- Purple-leaf variety (Graptophyllum pictum 'Nigrum')
- Pink variegated
- Tricolor (green, cream, and pink)
How to Plant Caricature Plant in the Philippines
Caricature Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. The recommended method is stem cuttings (roots very easily).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut 15-20 cm stem sections from healthy, mature growth.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, keeping 2-3 pairs at the top.
- Step 3: Plant directly in moist garden soil or potting mix.
- Step 4: Keep in partial shade and water regularly.
- Step 5: Roots develop in 2-3 weeks. One of the easiest plants to propagate.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade to full sun (more sun = more vivid variegation). Position your caricature plant where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Regular watering — keep soil moist. Tolerates occasional drought but leaves may wilt. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 24-35°C (thrives in tropical Philippine climate). High humidity preferred — naturally suited to PH conditions The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing caricature plant outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer monthly, or compost as mulch every 2-3 months.
Pruning
Prune regularly to maintain bushy shape and prevent legginess. Responds well to hard pruning.
Toxicity & Safety
Not considered toxic. Used in traditional medicine, but internal use should be guided by a herbalist.
Common Problems & Solutions
Loss of variegation
Cause: Too much shade — plant reverts to plain green in low light
Solution: Move to a brighter location with morning sun. Prune out all-green branches.
Leggy, bare stems
Cause: Lack of pruning or too little light
Solution: Cut back by half — new bushy growth emerges quickly from old wood.
Aphids on new growth
Cause: Soft new shoots attract aphids, especially in dry weather
Solution: Spray with strong water jet. Apply neem oil or soapy water spray.
Wilting in afternoon sun
Cause: Heat stress or insufficient water
Solution: Water deeply in the morning. Provide afternoon shade in extremely hot locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Caricature Plant in the Philippines?
Caricature Plant needs partial shade to full sun (more sun = more vivid variegation). Water regular watering — keep soil moist. tolerates occasional drought but leaves may wilt.. Feed with balanced fertilizer monthly, or compost as mulch every 2-3 months.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 24-35°C (thrives in tropical Philippine climate) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Caricature Plant?
The recommended method is stem cuttings (roots very easily). Cut 15-20 cm stem sections from healthy, mature growth. Remove lower leaves, keeping 2-3 pairs at the top.
Is Caricature Plant toxic to pets or children?
Not considered toxic. Used in traditional medicine, but internal use should be guided by a herbalist.
Can Caricature Plant grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Caricature Plant grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Caricature Plant?
Common issues include: Loss of variegation (caused by too much shade — plant reverts to plain green in low light — move to a brighter location with morning sun. prune out all-green branches); Leggy, bare stems (caused by lack of pruning or too little light — cut back by half — new bushy growth emerges quickly from old wood); Aphids on new growth (caused by soft new shoots attract aphids, especially in dry weather — spray with strong water jet. apply neem oil or soapy water spray).
Growing caricature plant in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!