
Photo: DouglasCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Aegiphila lhotskiana Plant Care
Aegiphila lhotskiana Cham.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its striking variegated leaves, featuring bright green centers and creamy white margins. Originating from Southeast Asia, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings. Its vibrant colors make it a standout addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full sun
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Aegiphila lhotskiana?
Plant Aegiphila lhotskiana in partial to full sun (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Aegiphila lhotskiana Native To?
What Is the Aegiphila lhotskiana?
Aegiphila lhotskiana (Aegiphila lhotskiana) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Aegiphila genus. Aegiphila lhotskiana is native to South America. Aegiphila lhotskiana is also known as Aegiphila integrifolia.
Aegiphila lhotskiana displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Aegiphila lhotskiana produces small clusters of white or lavender flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aegiphila lhotskiana?
Water a young or newly planted Aegiphila lhotskiana every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Aegiphila lhotskiana Need?
Aegiphila lhotskiana thrives in partial to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aegiphila lhotskiana Prefer?
Aegiphila lhotskiana tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Aegiphila lhotskiana prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aegiphila lhotskiana?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Aegiphila lhotskiana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Aegiphila lhotskiana?
Feed Aegiphila lhotskiana every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Aegiphila lhotskiana?
Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Aegiphila lhotskiana is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Aegiphila lhotskiana?
Aegiphila lhotskiana can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Aegiphila lhotskiana?
Prune Aegiphila lhotskiana while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Aegiphila lhotskiana in Winter?
Aegiphila lhotskiana is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Aegiphila lhotskiana?
Aegiphila lhotskiana can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white aegiphila plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Aegiphila lhotskiana Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Aegiphila lhotskiana, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Aegiphila lhotskiana?
Aegiphila lhotskiana is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Aegiphila lhotskiana Need?
Aegiphila lhotskiana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Aegiphila lhotskiana is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Aegiphila lhotskiana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Aegiphila lhotskiana is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aegiphila genus — compare its care with other Aegiphila species on PlantoScan.
Aegiphila is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Aegiphila lhotskiana thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aegiphila Species
Other Aegiphila species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aegiphila lhotskiana Cham., family Lamiaceae (first published in Linnaea 7: 112 (1832)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aegiphila lhotskiana, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Douglas, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
