Brazilian red cloak (Megaskepasma erythrochlamys)
Discover Megaskepasma erythrochlamys, the Brazilian red cloak, an evergreen shrub prized for its striking red bracts and white flowers in subtropical gardens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Brazilian red cloak (Megaskepasma erythrochlamys) is a highly sought-after tropical shrub famous for its architectural structure and brilliant seasonal color displays. This broadleaf evergreen brings dramatic contrast to warm-climate landscapes, primarily through its striking, large, ovate green leaves and conspicuous floral structures. Gardeners value this plant for the long-lasting color provided by its unique bracts, making Megaskepasma erythrochlamys an excellent focal point.
Native to the rainforests of regions including Venezuela and Costa Rica, this semi-woody shrub thrives in humid, somewhat protected environments. It forms a dense, upright screen, providing texture and height where it is reliably hardy. While the true flowers are white, the “red cloak” refers to the large, vibrant red bracts that surround them, giving the plant its common name.
For those outside of its limited hardiness range, Megaskepasma erythrochlamys offers versatility as a container specimen or houseplant, allowing many more gardeners to enjoy the exotic appeal of the Brazilian red cloak. Proper siting is key to maximizing the intensity of the red bracts while preserving leaf health.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Acanthaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Native Range: Venezuela
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 6-8 ft
- Spread: 6-8 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: White with showy red bracts
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting the Brazilian red cloak should occur when frost danger is far past or when purchased as a container plant ready for placement. It requires moist, humusy, well-drained soils to establish successfully. Although it tolerates full sun, most growers find Megaskepasma erythrochlamys performs best with some protection from the most intense afternoon heat, as direct, hot sun can cause the colorful flower bracts to bleach.
Watering needs are medium; ensure the soil remains consistently moist but never soggy, mimicking its native rainforest floor environment. Fertilization should support robust evergreen growth throughout the active season. Pruning is advantageous; trimming plant stems back moderately helps maintain a desirable bushy shape and encourages more dense flowering spikes.
In cooler areas (Zones 9 and below), treat Megaskepasma erythrochlamys as a seasonal patio feature or houseplant. If grown in containers, these can be brought indoors to a bright, warm sunroom before the first frost threatens dormancy. Propagation is straightforward, as this tropical beauty roots easily from simple cuttings taken from soft new growth.
Landscape Uses
The upright structure and vibrant color make Megaskepasma erythrochlamys versatile in subtropical landscaping. Where it is winter hardy (Zones 10-11), it serves admirably as a tall screen or informal hedge, offering year-round structure with periodic bursts of red. Its height also allows it to act as a vertical element in mixed perennial beds, contrasting nicely with foliage plants.
For container gardening, the Brazilian red cloak is a magnificent specimen choice. Plant it in a large pot near patios or entrances where its tropical texture can be appreciated up close. When moving containers indoors for winter, select a location that mimics its preferred part shade conditions.
If space allows, planting several together creates a dense, effective barrier that showcases the combined impact of the red bracts. Due to its relatively large adult spread, ensure adequate room is provided so the plant does not become root-bound too quickly in the landscape or crowded in its pot.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus name Megaskepasma comes from the Greek words for “large covering” in reference to the conspicuous bracts that define the plant’s appeal. The specific epithet erythrochlamys translates to “red cloak,” perfectly describing the bright structures that partially hide the true white flowers of Megaskepasma erythrochlamys. These evergreen shrubs reach 6-8 feet tall in cultivation, displaying prominent, veined, medium-green leaves year-round.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Generally, Megaskepasma erythrochlamys is not plagued by severe pest or disease outbreaks. However, susceptible to infestations from common houseplant and tropical pests, including mealybugs and scale insects. Inspect foliage regularly, especially when the plant is stressed or overwintering indoors near heat vents. Minor infestations of mealybugs can often be managed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, while heavier infestations may require horticultural oil applications specifically targeting these sucking insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Brazilian red cloak suitable for?
The Brazilian red cloak is reliably winter hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 11. Gardeners in cooler areas must treat it as a container plant to overwinter indoors.
How large does Megaskepasma erythrochlamys grow?
This evergreen shrub typically matures to a height and spread between 6 and 8 feet tall and wide when grown outdoors in ideal conditions.
What sun exposure does Megaskepasma erythrochlamys need?
It prefers full sun to part shade conditions. For the best color saturation on the red bracts without bleaching, aim for protection from the hottest afternoon sun.
When does Brazilian red cloak bloom?
This plant is a seasonal bloomer, with the most notable display occurring from autumn into mid-winter, although some additional bloom activity may occur throughout the rest of the year.
Conclusion
The Brazilian red cloak (Megaskepasma erythrochlamys) offers exceptional aesthetic value in warm climates, distinguished by its tall, evergreen presence and dramatic red-cloaked flower spikes. As a moderately maintained tropical specimen, it rewards attentive gardeners with exotic texture and long-lasting autumnal color. Before planting, confirm your location falls within Zones 10-11, or plan for container overwintering to easily enjoy this tropical gem year after year.
Propagation Tips
Because Megaskepasma erythrochlamys is easily propagated, increasing your stock is simple. The most reliable method involves taking cuttings from semi-hardwood or softwood stems during the growing season. Ensure each cutting has several leaves and a few nodes attached, and place them in consistently moist, well-drained potting mix or perlite under warm conditions to promote root development.
While the plant may be grown from seed, vegetative propagation via cuttings ensures that the new plant retains the exact characteristics of the parent, which is crucial for maintaining the vibrancy of the red bracts of the Brazilian red cloak. Cuttings root relatively quickly, offering a low-cost way to establish new plants or replace older specimens.
Companion Planting
When situating Megaskepasma erythrochlamys in the landscape, consider planting companions that appreciate similar growing conditions—moist, well-drained soil and protection from scorching sun. Broadleaf evergreens with contrasting foliage texture, such as large-leaved Philodendrons or structural Cycads, complement its upright habit beautifully.
In containers, place the tall Brazilian red cloak centrally, employing cascading plants like Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato Vine) along the edges to soften the look and anchor the display. For seasonal color contrast, pair it with bright, sun-tolerant annuals that prefer consistent moisture, ensuring the underplanting doesn’t steal moisture from the moisture-loving shrub.
