Photo: Morten RossCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Aerva tomentosa Plant Care
Aerva microphylla Moq.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is recognized by its small, fuzzy leaves that create a unique texture in any garden. Originating from dry regions in Africa and Asia, Aerva microphylla's drought tolerance and distinctive appearance make it a coveted addition for plant collectors looking for exotic and low-maintenance species.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Aerva tomentosa?
Water Aerva tomentosa every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Aerva tomentosa Native To?
What Is the Aerva tomentosa?
Aerva tomentosa (Aerva microphylla) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Aerva genus. Aerva tomentosa is native to the islands of Socotra and Abd al Kuri in the Socotra archipelago off the coast of East Africa, which are politically part of Yemen. Aerva tomentosa is also known as Calycopteris microphylla.
Aerva tomentosa displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Aerva tomentosa produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aerva tomentosa?
Aerva microphylla requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Aerva tomentosa Need?
Aerva tomentosa thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aerva tomentosa Prefer?
Aerva microphylla grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Aerva tomentosa 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 Aerva tomentosa?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Aerva tomentosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Aerva tomentosa?
Feed Aerva tomentosa every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Aerva tomentosa?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Aerva tomentosa?
Aerva tomentosa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to congested aerva plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Aerva tomentosa Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Aerva tomentosa, 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 Aerva tomentosa?
Aerva tomentosa 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 Aerva tomentosa Need?
Aerva tomentosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Aerva tomentosa is native to the islands of Socotra and Abd al Kuri in the Socotra archipelago off the coast of East Africa, which are politically part of Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Aerva tomentosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Aerva tomentosa 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 Aerva genus — compare its care with other Aerva species on PlantoScan.
Aerva is part of the Amaranthaceae plant family — browse all Amaranthaceae genera and species.
Aerva tomentosa 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: Aerva microphylla Moq., family Amaranthaceae (first published in Prodr. 13(2): 301 (1849)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aerva tomentosa, 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: Morten Ross, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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