About Crossandra
A compact, bushy tropical perennial that produces fan-shaped clusters of brilliant salmon-orange flowers above glossy, dark green foliage. Crossandra blooms prolifically for months on end, making it one of the best continuous-flowering plants for Philippine gardens and containers. Its neat habit and vibrant color make it ideal for borders, edging, and patio displays. Crossandra belongs to the Acanthaceae family and originates from Southern India and Sri Lanka; widely cultivated in tropical gardens throughout Southeast Asia..
Crossandra is an underrated gem in Philippine gardens, more commonly seen in Indian-influenced garden designs but increasingly popular among Filipino plant collectors who appreciate its long blooming season and neat form. It thrives in the warm, humid conditions of Metro Manila and performs well as a container plant for condo balconies and townhouse patios. Available at specialty nurseries in Quezon City and online through Filipino plant groups. Its low-growing habit makes it excellent for garden edging along walkways and driveways.
Also known as: Kanakambaram.
Popular Varieties
- Crossandra infundibuliformis 'Orange Marmalade' (vivid orange)
- Crossandra infundibuliformis 'Lutea' (yellow-flowered)
- Crossandra infundibuliformis 'Tropic Flame' (salmon-orange, compact)
- Crossandra infundibuliformis 'Shamrock' (apricot-yellow)
How to Plant Crossandra in the Philippines
Crossandra can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. The recommended method is stem cuttings for faster results.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 8-10 cm cuttings from non-flowering shoot tips.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves and flower buds if present.
- Step 3: Dip cut end in rooting hormone.
- Step 4: Plant in moist perlite and coco peat mix.
- Step 5: Keep in warm, bright indirect light with high humidity.
- Step 6: Roots form in 3-4 weeks. Transplant once actively growing.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to partial shade (morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Philippine lowlands). Position your crossandra where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist. Water 3-4 times per week. Crossandra does not tolerate drought — wilting leads to flower drop. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-32°C (prefers warm, sheltered conditions — avoid cold drafts). High humidity preferred — thrives in Philippine ambient humidity. Mist in air-conditioned rooms. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing crossandra outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer (15-15-15) every 2 weeks during blooming season. Supplement with bloom booster monthly.
Pruning
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continuous blooming. Pinch tips early to promote bushy growth. Light pruning after heavy rains.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Flower and leaf drop
Cause: Underwatering or sudden temperature changes
Solution: Maintain consistent watering schedule. Protect from cold drafts and sudden position changes.
Leggy, stretched growth
Cause: Insufficient light
Solution: Move to a brighter location with morning sun. Pinch tips to encourage compact growth.
Brown leaf edges
Cause: Low humidity or salt buildup from fertilizer
Solution: Increase humidity with misting or pebble tray. Flush soil with plain water monthly to remove salt buildup.
Scale insects on stems
Cause: Sheltered, warm conditions favoring scale
Solution: Wipe off with cotton soaked in rubbing alcohol. Apply neem oil for heavy infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Crossandra in the Philippines?
Crossandra needs bright indirect light to partial shade (morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in philippine lowlands). Water keep soil consistently moist. water 3-4 times per week. crossandra does not tolerate drought — wilting leads to flower drop.. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer (15-15-15) every 2 weeks during blooming season. supplement with bloom booster monthly.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-32°C (prefers warm, sheltered conditions — avoid cold drafts) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Crossandra?
The recommended method is stem cuttings for faster results. Take 8-10 cm cuttings from non-flowering shoot tips. Remove lower leaves and flower buds if present.
Is Crossandra toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can Crossandra grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Crossandra 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 Crossandra?
Common issues include: Flower and leaf drop (caused by underwatering or sudden temperature changes — maintain consistent watering schedule. protect from cold drafts and sudden position changes); Leggy, stretched growth (caused by insufficient light — move to a brighter location with morning sun. pinch tips to encourage compact growth); Brown leaf edges (caused by low humidity or salt buildup from fertilizer — increase humidity with misting or pebble tray. flush soil with plain water monthly to remove salt buildup).
Growing crossandra in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!