Grower Facts

Crossandra Tropic (Crossandra infundibuliformis)

Germination:Use a well-drained, disease-free seedling medium with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and EC about 0.75 mmhos/cm (1:2 extraction).

A medium covering of coarse vermiculite is strongly recommended. This will help maintain high humidity around the germinating seed. Germination takes 7 to 10 days.

Plug Production

Plug Tray Size:Use 392/406-cell or larger plug trays.
Media:Use a well-drained, disease-free seedling medium with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and EC about 0.75 mmhos/cm (1:2 extraction).
Sowing:A medium covering of coarse vermiculite is strongly recommended. This will help maintain high humidity around the germinating seed. Germination takes 7 to 10 days.
Temperature:Germination: 78° to 82°F (25° to 28°C)
Cotyledon emergence: 70° to 72°F (21° to 22°C)
True leaf expansion: 70° to 72°F (21° to 22°C)
If germination temperature is lower than 78°F (25°C), germination will occur over a period of two to four weeks. This will result in plugs with variable size and vigor.Plugs should be held at 70° to 72°F (21° to 22°C) from maturity until transplant. Reduced temperatures are recommended to tone the plugs. Foliage may turn purple at lower temperatures as phosphorous becomes unavailable.
Light:Light is not required for germination. After germination, maintain light levels between 1,000 and 1,500 f.c.
Humidity:Maintain 95% relative humidity until cotyledons emerge. After germination, avoid excess moisture in the growing medium, as damping off (Pythium) can be a problem. Allow soil to dry thoroughly between waterings, but avoid wilting.
Fertilizer:When cotyledons expand, begin fertilizing with 50 to 75 ppm N, alternating 14-0-14 with 20-10-20 every other fertilization. As true leaves develop, increase fertilizer to 100 to 150 ppm. Maintain medium EC between 0.75 and 1.0 mmhos/cm (1:2 extraction). Maintain pH at 5.8 to 6.5.
Growth Regulators:Growth regulators are generally not needed. However, B-Nine can be used if necessary.

Growing On to Finish

Container Size:Crossandra is best suited to 4 in. to 6-in. (10 to 15-cm) pots. Use 1 plug per 4-in. (10-cm) pot, and 3 plugs per 6-in. (15-cm) pot.
Media:Use a well-drained, disease-free soilless medium with a medium initial nutrient charge and a pH of 5.8 to 6.5.
Temperature:Crossandra thrives under high temperatures, high light and high humidity. Maintain minimum night temperatures of 68° to 75°F (20° to 24°C) and minimum day temperatures of 75° to 80°F (24° to 26° C). If temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C), the foliage will turn black and fall off.
Light:Maintain light levels at 2,500 to 3,500 f.c.

Humidity:Maintain high humidity.

Water:Allow plants to dry thoroughly between waterings, but avoid wilting.
Fertilizer:Fertilize every irrigation at 150 to 200 ppm N with 15-0-15 or 15-5-15. Apply 20-10-20 as needed to promote leaf expansion. Maintain medium EC around 1.0 mmhos/cm (using 1:2 extraction).
Growth Regulators:Generally not needed. However, B-Nine can be used if necessary

Common Problems

Insects: Aphids, mites, whitefly.
Diseases: Pythium root rot: Soft, brown, mushy roots.
Drench with Subdue, Banrot, Truban or similar compound.
Rhizoctonia: Tan, brown or black lesions on the stem at the soil line in conjunction with good root development. Drench the soil with Chipco 26019, Cleary’s 3336, Banrot or Terraclor.
Note: Chemical recommendations are only guidelines. Follow national and state regulations.