Aeollanthus saxatilis Plant Care

Aeollanthus saxatilis P.A.Duvign. & Denaeyer

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Aeollanthus saxatilis, the Katangan rocksage, is a species of plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is endemic to the Katangan Copperbelt in Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

🌿Shrubs🌱Herbs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Aeollanthus saxatilis?

Plant Aeollanthus saxatilis in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Aeollanthus saxatilis Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Aeollanthus saxatilis?

Aeollanthus saxatilis (Aeollanthus saxatilis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Aeollanthus genus. Aeollanthus saxatilis is native to the Katangan Copperbelt in Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Aeollanthus saxatilis displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Aeollanthus saxatilis produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Aeollanthus saxatilis?

Water a young or newly planted Aeollanthus saxatilis 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 Aeollanthus saxatilis Need?

Aeollanthus saxatilis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Aeollanthus saxatilis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aeollanthus saxatilis Prefer?

Aeollanthus saxatilis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Aeollanthus saxatilis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aeollanthus saxatilis?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Aeollanthus saxatilis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Aeollanthus saxatilis?

Feed Aeollanthus saxatilis 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 Aeollanthus saxatilis?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Aeollanthus saxatilis 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 Aeollanthus saxatilis?

Aeollanthus saxatilis can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Aeollanthus saxatilis?

Prune Aeollanthus saxatilis 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 Aeollanthus saxatilis in Winter?

Aeollanthus saxatilis 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 Aeollanthus saxatilis?

Aeollanthus saxatilis can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aeollanthus parvifolius plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Aeollanthus saxatilis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Aeollanthus saxatilis, 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 Aeollanthus saxatilis?

Aeollanthus saxatilis 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 Aeollanthus saxatilis Need?

Aeollanthus saxatilis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Aeollanthus saxatilis is native to the Katangan Copperbelt in Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. In cooler regions, grow Aeollanthus saxatilis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Aeollanthus saxatilis 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 Aeollanthus genus — compare its care with other Aeollanthus species on PlantoScan.

Aeollanthus is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.

Aeollanthus saxatilis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Aeollanthus saxatilis P.A.Duvign. & Denaeyer, family Lamiaceae (first published in Bull. Soc. Roy. Bot. Belgique 96: 179 (1963)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aeollanthus saxatilis, 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.
  • 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.

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