Beloperone

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Acanthaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Beloperone

Species

guttata

Description

A perennial plant native to Central America, where it grows as a small shrub reaching a height of up to one and a half metres. It thrives in warm environments, whilst in continental climates it is often grown as an annual.

It is famous for its distinctive spike- or prawn-shaped flower heads, formed by overlapping bracts that are reddish-brown or yellow-green in colour.

Curiosities and special features

The true flowers of Beloperone guttata are small and clustered in apical spike-like inflorescences, but the plant’s uniqueness lies in its bracts, which range in colour from salmon pink, orange to bronze-red, whose shape resembles that of a prawn’s body, hence its common name ‘Prawn Plant’.

Origin and distribution

A botanical species native to the region stretching from Mexico to Central America, it was introduced to Europe in the early 20th century. Today, it is found in a range of varieties that differ mainly in the colour of their bracts.

Leaf

The leaves have an oval blade and are slightly hairy.

Leaf colour

two-tone, plain colour.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.4 to 1 m, depending on its growth habit and the slender, slightly arched stems bearing the inflorescences.

Lifespan

In its native range, it is a small evergreen shrub; it is often grown as an annual, depending on local climatic conditions.

Where to plant

Given its size and thermal requirements, it is grown as a balcony plant , in pots or planters.

Stem

The stem is semi-woody; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape and small in size, with a tubular corolla and two-tone, variegated petals. It grows in medium-sized spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It attracts beetles, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops a semi-erect habit characterised by curved stems that end in distinctive inflorescences.

Branching

It develops Medium branching.

PH

It requires a substrate pH of between 5.5 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Suitable for the following types of exposure: partial shade, full sun but at altitudes above 300 metres above sea level.

As this is a species of tropical origin, it requires warmth as well as a bright spot, but it does not tolerate the hottest summer sun. It should therefore be placed in partial shade in the garden or on the east-facing side of a terrace. Indoors, place it near a bright window.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 °C. It copes well with the summer heat.

Use

Owing to the originality and uniqueness of its inflorescences, it is widely appreciated in:
Ornamental use

Hardiness

It is moderately hardy and requires a warm climate and a position sheltered from direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the summer. It does not tolerate the cold.

Soil

The quality of the growing medium is very important; it should be peaty, porous, with good water retention and good drainage.

We recommend using a potting mix for green houseplants, containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

It is moderately difficult to grow, but provided the right growing conditions are ensured, it will produce the best vegetative growth and a full bloom.

Growing tips

Some specific growing guidelines:
Avoid overwatering In summer, it is best to place the plants in sunny spots only in the morning or in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

Propagation

Propagation is carried out using apical and stem cuttings.

Watering

Keep the compost consistently moist but free from waterlogging.

It does not tolerate drought but is also sensitive to waterlogging, so it should be watered regularly but not excessively to prevent root rot.

Fertilising

During the growing season, from mid-spring to mid-summer, add a soluble fertiliser specifically designed for flowering plants to the potting compost, diluting it in the watering can without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency. Do not apply fertiliser to dry compost.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

It loses its leaves when the temperature drops below 5–6°C, so it’s best to shelter it as soon as temperatures approach 10°C if we want it to survive the winter.