Acanthaceae
Ribbon Bush (Hypoestes aristata)
Hypoestes aristata
Easy and quick. Sun or part shade, compost-rich well-drained soil, regular water in summer and less in winter. Cut back hard after flowering.
Every 5 days
Bright indirect
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Ribbon Bush?
Ribbon Bush (Hypoestes aristata) is a easy-care plant from the Acanthaceae family. Ribbon bush (Hypoestes aristata) is a soft, fast-growing shrub in the acanthus family (Acanthaceae), native from South Africa's Eastern Cape to tropical East Africa, where it grows in thicket, forest margins and damp places. It reaches 1-1.5 m and has oval, dark green, velvety leaves. From autumn to...
Ribbon Bush grows up to 1.5m, spread of 50cm, watering every 5 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Ribbon Bush tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Ribbon Bush is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 10 days.
How to Care for Ribbon Bush?
TLDR: Ribbon Bush needs Bright indirect, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Ribbon Bush?
Water well in summer, about twice a week, and less in winter. Once established in the ground it copes with dry spells.
How Much Light Does Ribbon Bush Need?
Full sun to part shade; 3 to 6 hours of sun a day gives good flowering.
What Is the Best Soil for Ribbon Bush?
Prefers loose, compost-rich, well-drained loam; acid, neutral or alkaline soils are fine.
What Pot Should You Use for Ribbon Bush?
A large pot, 30 cm or more, with good drainage; it looks best planted in the ground.
What Is Ribbon Bush and Where Does It Come From?
Ribbon bush (Hypoestes aristata) is a soft, fast-growing shrub in the acanthus family (Acanthaceae), native from South Africa's Eastern Cape to tropical East Africa, where it grows in thicket, forest margins and damp places. It reaches 1-1.5 m and has oval, dark green, velvety leaves. From autumn to early spring it carries spikes of 2-lipped lilac-pink, pale purple or white flowers, at a time when little else is in bloom. The flowers attract insects, which in turn bring insect-eating birds. It is related to the spotted polka dot plant grown as a houseplant.
How to Propagate Ribbon Bush?
Stem cuttings
Semi-ripe cuttings also work in summer.
- 1 Take 8-10 cm softwood tips in late spring
- 2 Strip the lower leaves
- 3 Insert into a light, moist mix
- 4 Keep bright, out of strong sun, until rooted
Materials needed:
Seed
It often self-seeds in the garden.
- 1 Sow on moist mix in late winter or early spring
- 2 Cover lightly
- 3 Keep moist and warm
Materials needed:
How Big Does Ribbon Bush Grow?
TLDR: Ribbon Bush can reach up to 1.5m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Crushed leaves traditionally used as a poultice for sore eyes
Culinary Uses
- Leaves eaten as spinach in parts of Africa
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Ribbon Bush?
TLDR: Ribbon Bush is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Fun Facts
In parts of Africa the leaves are cooked like spinach.
Its Afrikaans name, seeroogblommetjie, means roughly 'little sore-eye flower', after the use of its leaves as an eye poultice.
It self-seeds easily.
Frequently asked questions
When does ribbon bush flower?
Does it need pruning?
Can it grow indoors?
Does it get pests?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
