Princess Flower Tibouchina organensis

Water

Princess flowers should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means about once a week. Water deeply until moisture seeps out of the drainage holes to ensure the roots receive adequate hydration. During the warm growing season, you might find the plant requires more frequent watering, sometimes twice a week. However, reduce watering in the winter months to every other week, as the plant's growth slows and its water needs decrease. A consistent watering schedule is crucial for the health of the plant, aiming for about one to two gallons each time depending on the size of the pot.

Light

Princess flowers thrive in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for bright, indirect light. The best spot for this plant is in an east or west-facing location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Avoid exposing the princess flower to the harsh midday sun as it may cause leaf burn, particularly in hotter climates.

Temperature

Princess flowers enjoy moderate temperatures and do well in environments between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost and extreme cold. To encourage blooming and healthy growth, keeping the temperature within this range is ideal.

Pruning

Prune princess flowers to promote bushier growth, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage more prolific flowering. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's advisable to prune lightly every year, removing up to one-third of the oldest stems and any wayward branches to maintain the plant's shape. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Princess Flower thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 5.5 to 7. A potting mix consisting of equal parts peat, pine bark, and perlite or coarse sand makes an ideal composition for healthy growth. Regularly enriching the soil with organic matter can enhance its structure and nutrient content, optimizing conditions for the Princess Flower.

Repotting

Princess Flowers should typically be repotted every two to three years, or when they become root-bound. The best time for repotting is in the spring or early summer when the plant is entering a period of active growth, allowing it to recover more quickly from the stress of transplantation.

Humidity & Misting

Princess Flowers prefer high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. To maintain optimum humidity, these plants can benefit from regular misting or placement on a humidity tray, particularly if grown in drier indoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place the Princess Flower in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant the Princess Flower in partial shade with shelter from winds.

• Hardiness zone

  9-12 USDA

Life cycle

Tibouchina organensis, also known as Glory Bush, begins its life cycle as a seed which under suitable conditions of warmth and moisture germinates to produce a small seedling. Seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a root system and foliage as they become more established. As the plant matures, it forms a woody stem and branches, entering a vegetative stage where it focuses on growth and leaf production. Upon reaching maturity, Glory Bush produces vibrant purple flowers, typically during the warmer months, which are pollinated by insects, facilitating the sexual reproduction phase of its lifecycle. After pollination, the plant develops seed capsules containing numerous tiny seeds that are dispersed by wind or animals. With the dropping of these seeds, the life cycle is poised to begin anew, provided the seeds land in a conducive environment for germination.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Tibouchina organensis, commonly known as Glory Bush, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is usually done during the summer when the plant is actively growing. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) is taken from the plant, ensuring that it has several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. It's commonly covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a pot or its final location in the garden.