Sunset Bells (Chrysothemis Pulchella)

Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing

The Sunset Bells (Chrysothemis pulchella), also known as Copper Leaf or Black Flamingo, is a beautiful tropical perennial from the Gesneriad family (related to the African Violet). It’s loved for its dark, sometimes coppery foliage and striking yellow-and-orange bell-shaped flowers set in bright calyxes that last for a long time.

Here is a guide to caring for your Sunset Bells plant:

1. Light

• Ideal: Bright, indirect light or partial sun (filtered sunlight). This mimics its native jungle habitat and encourages the best foliage color and abundant blooms.
• Tolerance: It can survive in deeper shade, but the plant may become leggy (stretched out) and produce fewer flowers.
• Avoid: Harsh, direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.

2. Watering

• Consistency is Key: This plant prefers its soil to be consistently and evenly moist during its active growing season (spring and summer).
• Method: Water regularly (often about once a week), ensuring the soil is moist but never soggy or waterlogged, which can quickly lead to root rot.
• Check the Soil: Before watering, check to see that the top layer of the soil has just started to feel dry to the touch.
• Dormancy: If the plant enters a dormant phase (often in winter or if temperatures drop below 60∘F), the leaves and stems may die back. Reduce watering dramatically during this time, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely, but don’t let the underground tuber dry out and shrivel.

3. Humidity & Temperature

• Humidity: Sunset Bells thrives in high humidity (around 70%), reflecting its tropical origins.
  • To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or use a room humidifier.
• Temperature: It prefers warm conditions, ideally between 68∘F and 82∘F (20∘C to 28∘C).
• Avoid: Temperatures dropping below 50∘F (10∘C), as this will likely trigger dormancy or damage the plant. Keep it away from cold drafts and hot, dry air from heating vents.

4. Soil and Potting

• Soil Mix: Use a rich, well-draining, and porous potting mix that retains moisture without compacting.
  • A good mix is a standard houseplant potting soil blended with materials like perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir to improve aeration and drainage.
• Pot: Ensure the container has excellent drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
• Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years in the spring, or when the plant has outgrown its container.

5. Fertilizer

• When: Feed every two to four weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer).
• What: Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) diluted to half the recommended strength.
• Note: Always water the plant before fertilizing to prevent root burn.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

• Deadheading: The yellow flowers are short-lived (lasting only a day), but the bright orange calyxes remain for a long time. Once the display fades, you can prune off the spent flower heads and dead stems to encourage new growth.
• Pinching: Pinch back new growth to promote a bushier, fuller plant.
• Dormancy: If the plant dies back completely in the winter, allow the soil to stay mostly dry. New growth will emerge from the tuber in the spring when temperatures warm up and watering resumes.