Aphelandra thrive in bright indirect light.

Ideal Spot: Place it near an East-facing window (for morning sun) or a South- or West-facing window where the light is filtered (e.g., behind a sheer curtain).

Avoid: Direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves and turn them crispy brown. However, they will struggle in too low of light and can become leggy.

Aphelandra prefer evenly moist soil. They are temperamental with their watering so it may take some time to get the correct watering schedule down. If too dry, they can droop and may even drop some leaves. If they get overwatered, they may get brown spots on their leaves. If you live somewhere where the water is particularly hard, we recommend using distilled water.

Check the soil by sticking your finger about 1–2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a few more days.

When you water, make sure to water thoroughly so that the excess drains out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures the roots get a good drink.

Aphelandra are native to Brazil so they prefer higher humidity.

Aphelandra prefer a light, well-draining soil. We recommend adding a little perlite or orchid bark for extra aeration and drainage to an indoor potting mix.

During the growing season (typically spring and summer), you can fertilize your aphelandra about once a month, especially to encourage blooms.

Occasionally fertilizing and repotting, you’ll encourage steady growth and keep your aphelandra looking lush and vibrant.