Otacanthus caeruleus — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Otacanthus caeruleus

Otacanthus Caeruleus

Updated · 47 observations
ON THIS PLANT
A note from PlantMom

Amazon blue has strong disease resistance and is generally unlikely to get sick. Nonetheless, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. These problems are typically not severe. Regarding care, this plant needs a moderate level of maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to keep a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also aid in encouraging flowering. Amazon blue is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, like a garden or patio, and does not demand much care experience. It may require more attention if grown indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Otacanthus Caeruleus.

Light

Amazon blue grows best in very bright light, though it can tolerate lower light levels. Native to areas with abundant sunlight, too little or too much light can stop its growth or damage its leaves.

Temperature

Amazon blue originates from temperate wilderness and can tolerate temperatures from 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 ℃). As seasons shift, modest adjustments to the ambient temperature may be needed to imitate its natural habitat.

Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize an Amazon blue is in early spring, as it comes out of dormancy. This encourages overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while promoting large, vibrant, long-lasting flowers. It helps transfer nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant’s health and resistance to disease.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial, Annual
Genus
Otacanthus
Family
Plantaginaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Blue
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Blue, Purple
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall, Early winter
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Amazon blue en Brazilian snapdragon en Little blue boy
PLATES
Otacanthus caeruleus leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Otacanthus caeruleus leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Otacanthus caeruleus flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Otacanthus caeruleus flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Otacanthus caeruleus habit
PLATE 05 · habit
Otacanthus caeruleus habit
PLATE 06 · habit