
(Johnstonella costata)

Ribbed spineflower, Caribbean scales, Pineapple plant
Johnstonella costata is a species of flowering plant in the family Melastomataceae. It is a small shrub that grows up to 1 meter tall, with hairy stems and leaves. The flowers are pink to purple and grow in clusters at the ends of the branches.
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Johnstonella costata prefers partial shade to full sun.
Moderate humidity is preferred, but it can tolerate lower humidity levels.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Prune after flowering to control its shape and size.
It is generally pest-free, but it can be susceptible to scale insects.
Not suitable for indoor cultivation.
It requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
It prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C).
Spring and summer are the growing seasons for Johnstonella costata.
Moderate difficulty to grow.
It is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Johnstonella costata is named after the botanist Ivan Murray Johnston, who collected the type specimen in Ecuador in 1948.