Christia Swallowtail

Christia obcordata is a striking tropical perennial prized for its unique foliage that resembles the tail of a swallowtail butterfly. Its leaves are triangular to heart-shaped with bold burgundy, green, and sometimes reddish markings. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers, but the main ornamental appeal lies in its patterned foliage.

Grow Zone
Best grown outdoors in USDA Zones 10–11. In cooler climates, it is often treated as a houseplant or seasonal container plant.

Height and Width
Typically reaches about 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads 1 to 2 feet wide, forming a compact, bushy clump.

Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental foliage plant in tropical gardens, containers, and as a houseplant. It adds a dramatic and exotic touch to shaded patios, conservatories, or indoor collections.

Native Range
Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and surrounding regions.

Sun Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light to partial shade. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light will diminish the leaf coloration. Outdoors in Zone 9, it performs best in dappled or filtered light.

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist but well-drained soil. It does not tolerate drought; the soil should be kept evenly damp but never soggy. High humidity is beneficial, making it well-suited for tropical gardens or indoor humidity-controlled environments.

Zone 9 Growing Tips

• Outdoor Season: Set outside in late spring once nights are consistently above 60°F. Bring indoors before first frost (usually November).

• Soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix amended with organic matter.

• Winter Care: Indoors, provide warmth (65–75°F), bright indirect light, and humidity. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months.

• Pests: Watch for spider mites indoors; they thrive in dry conditions.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.