Scutellaria costaricana or Costa Rican skullcap

Care of the indoor plant Scutellaria costaricana or Costa Rican skullcap

The genus Scutellaria, family Lamiaceae, comprises 300 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants native to temperate regions and tropical mountains on all continents. Some species are: Scutellaria costaricana, Scutellaria montana, Scutellaria alpina, Scutellaria californica, Scutellaria tuberosa, Scutellaria galericulata.

Common names: Costa Rican skullcap, Scarlet skullcap. This species is native to Costa Rica and Panama.

They are rhizomatous subshrubs with purple stems that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. The leaves are dark green, oval in shape, with a honeycombed edge and ending in a pointed apex. The flowers appear in vertical clusters, are tube-shaped and are red or orange with a yellow throat. They bloom during the summer.

These tropical plants are used as indoor or greenhouse plants.

The Scutellaria costaricana prefers a very illuminated exposure avoiding direct sun in the central hours of the day; protect them from drafts. A winter period of rest at 10-12 ºC (50-53 ºF) is advisable.

The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of soil rich in organic matter, peat and siliceous sand. Transplant in early spring if the roots show below the pot.

Water regularly with warm, lime-free water so that the soil is always moist; wait for the floor surface to dry. In autumn and winter water once a week. Spray the leaves daily in summer and place a tray with damp pebbles under the pot.

Fertilize every 2 weeks with mineral fertilizer in spring and summer.

Prune faded flowers and in late winter prune intensively 10-15 cm from the base.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

Propagation is not easy so it's better to buy new plants in nurseries and garden centers.