Princess Flower, Glory Bush
tibouchina granulosa
Also known as: ["Lasiodiscus granulosa","Tibouchina urvilleana"]
Overview
A tropical evergreen shrub or small tree known for its large, purple, saucer-shaped flowers and velvety leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Melastomataceae |
| Genus: | Tibouchina |
| Botanical Name: | Tibouchina granulosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot near bright window or outdoor garden bed in sheltered, sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix with organic matter like peat moss or compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; major pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, otherwise focus on shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light, protect from intense midday sun, place in east-facing windows or shaded outdoor spots.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter strong light; avoid direct afternoon sun exposure.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reducing to every 10–14 days in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to cold drafts and frost.
Avoid placing near air vents; maintain consistent room temperature; protect from sudden cold or heat spikes.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer, every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer in winter
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust frequency based on growth rate.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with leaf nodes, taken from healthy, non-flowering stems.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting with leaf nodes, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, keep warm and moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or a specialized cutting mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone powder or gel for better success.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth indicates establishment, which can take 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above leaf nodes or buds, remove crossing branches, thin out dense growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or overgrown stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune selectively, make clean cuts, remove debris, monitor plant response.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refreshment.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains freely from the pot, ensure even moisture without waterlogging, water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate peat moss for acidity, use a balanced potting mix as base.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, yellowing, stunted growth, or bud drop due to extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl, turn brown, or drop; growth halts; risk of frost damage below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, use a space heater if necessary, avoid sudden temperature changes.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity with misting or a humidifier, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, fertilize during active growth, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest parts of Tibouchina granulosa. The plant is not highly toxic to cats but can cause mild distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Tibouchina granulosa can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicTibouchina granulosa contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Tibouchina granulosa be watered?
A: Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering periods.
Q: Does Tibouchina granulosa require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Q: Is Tibouchina granulosa suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, but can be grown indoors in a very bright, humid environment with adequate space.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Melastomataceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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