Anabasis brevifolia Plant Care

Anabasis brevifolia (Anabasis brevifolia) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Anabasis genus.

Anabasis brevifolia displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Anabasis brevifolia produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Anabasis brevifolia every 10–14 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.

Anabasis brevifolia thrives in full sun.

Anabasis brevifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Anabasis brevifolia prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and gravel for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Anabasis brevifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Anabasis brevifolia 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and gravel for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Anabasis brevifolia is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Anabasis brevifolia can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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.

Prune Anabasis brevifolia 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.

Anabasis brevifolia 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.

Anabasis brevifolia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to desert anabasis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Anabasis brevifolia 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.

Anabasis brevifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Anabasis brevifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.