Princess Flower, Glory Bush
tibouchina urvilleana
Also known as: ["Glory Bush","Lavender Gown","Violet Showers"]
Overview
A striking evergreen shrub native to Brazil, known for its large, lavender-purple flowers and glossy, dark green 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 urvilleana |
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 climates
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning after flowering; major shaping in late winter/early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth for shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; shield from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to cold drafts.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth; protect from cold drafts.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during growing season, monthly in spring and fall, none in winter
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead/damaged growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and flowering.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning for optimal absorption.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate peat moss for acidity; use orchid bark for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or yellowing in cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn brown or drop; risk of frost damage below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide a heat source if needed; protect from drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may drop buds in extreme heat.
Solution: Increase humidity; provide shade; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Tibouchina urvilleana. The plant is not highly toxic to cats but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Tibouchina urvilleana 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 urvilleana 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 urvilleana be watered?
A: Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering periods.
Q: Does Tibouchina urvilleana require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Q: Can Tibouchina urvilleana be grown indoors?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, but can be grown indoors in a very bright, sunny location with high humidity and ample space.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Melastomataceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
