Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Megaskepasma erythrochlamys or Brazilian red-cloak

The genus Megaskepasma, family Acanthaceae, includes only the species Megaskepasma erythrochlamys, native to Central America, Venezuela and Colombia.

Common name: Brazilian red-cloak.

They are rounded shrubs that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The leaves are large (30 cm/11.8" long), opposite, oval, and bright green with marked veins. The showy 20 cm (7.87") tall spike-shaped inflorescences bear small white flowers surrounded by attractive red or pink bracts. They bloom from late summer to early fall; they can also bloom in late winter.

They are used in bushy groups, to form hedges, as isolated specimens and in large pots for terraces and patios. They resist the salinity of the coast but not the strong winds. They are also used as a cut flower.

Megaskepasma erythrochlamys prefers a semi-shade exposure; if the summer is not very hot they can be located in full sun. It's a tropical plant that does not resist temperatures below 12 ºC (53.6 ºF).

The soil can be a garden substrate with abundant leaf mulch. The pot transplant is done in early spring.

Water frequently with lime-free water (never puddle) waiting for the surface of the substrate to dry.

Fertilize during spring and summer with mineral fertilizer every 15 days.

Prune in late winter to keep it compact and encourage branching to produce more flowers.

They are quite resistant plants to the most common pests and diseases.

They propagate by cuttings in summer.

Images of the shrub Megaskepasma erythrochlamys or Brazilian red-cloak