Habitat:
Sanchezia oblonga is native to Ecuador and Peru, where it inhabits humid lowland to premontane rainforests, typically from 100–800 m elevation. It thrives along forest margins and clearings, often in partial shade, and has been widely cultivated in tropical gardens, sometimes escaping cultivation in humid regions.
Description:
An evergreen, woody shrub reaching up to 2 m tall, Sanchezia oblonga is frequently confused with the closely related and more widely cultivated Sanchezia speciosa due to their similar foliage and floral display. Both species feature large, opposite, oblong leaves with prominent pale veins, and striking tubular yellow flowers with colourful bracts.
However, they can be reliably distinguished by the following key diagnostic features:
1. Leaf Shape and Size – S. oblonga typically has narrower, more elongated leaves (15–30 cm long), whereas S. speciosa has broader, more ovate leaves.
2. Stem Texture – S. oblonga has quadrangular stems with a reddish tinge; S. speciosa usually has rounded stems that are green to purplish.
3. Bract Colour – S. oblonga bears reddish bracts, while S. speciosa generally has greenish bracts tinged with red.
4. Inflorescence Arrangement – In S. oblonga, flowers are arranged in terminal spikes, whereas in S. speciosa, they are often in shorter axillary racemes or clustered spikes.
The flowers of S. oblonga are bright yellow to orange, tubular, measuring 3.5–5 cm, with five spreading lobes. It blooms throughout the warm, humid months and attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds in its native range.
Cultivation:
Preferring bright, filtered light, Sanchezia oblonga should be grown in moist, rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Maintain high humidity and water consistently to keep the substrate evenly moist. Ideal temperatures range from 18–28 °C, and it should be sheltered from cold or dry air. Monthly feeding during the growing season with a balanced, diluted fertiliser will enhance growth and flowering. Prune after flowering to shape and encourage new growth.
Specifications:
Plant Size: stem propagation by us , plants are established 15 - 35 cm tall
Plant Family: Acanthaceae
Plant Passport: Sanchezia oblonga B 140084 C 00000 D GB