Photo: Charleen BrunkeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sticky Aptosimum Plant Care
Aptosimum viscosum Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aptosimum viscosum, also known as the sticky African foxglove, is a striking plant with vibrant orange tubular flowers that attract pollinators. Its natural habitat is in the rocky slopes and grasslands of South Africa, where it thrives in well-drained soil.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Sticky Aptosimum?
Water Sticky Aptosimum every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Sticky Aptosimum Native To?
What Is the Sticky Aptosimum?
Sticky Aptosimum (Aptosimum viscosum) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Aptosimum genus. Sticky Aptosimum is native to South Africa.
Sticky Aptosimum displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Sticky Aptosimum produces small tubular flowers in shades of orange, red, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sticky Aptosimum?
Aptosimum viscosum requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sticky Aptosimum Need?
Sticky Aptosimum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sticky Aptosimum Prefer?
Aptosimum viscosum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Sticky Aptosimum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sticky Aptosimum?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Sticky Aptosimum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sticky Aptosimum?
Feed Sticky Aptosimum 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 Sticky Aptosimum?
Repot every 1-2 years in early 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 Sticky Aptosimum?
Sticky Aptosimum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to namaqualand vygie plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sticky Aptosimum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sticky Aptosimum, 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 Sticky Aptosimum?
Sticky Aptosimum 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 Sticky Aptosimum Need?
Sticky Aptosimum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Sticky Aptosimum is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Sticky Aptosimum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Sticky Aptosimum 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 Aptosimum genus — compare its care with other Aptosimum species on PlantoScan.
Aptosimum is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae genera and species.
Sticky Aptosimum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aptosimum Species
Other Aptosimum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aptosimum viscosum Benth., family Scrophulariaceae (first published in Edwards's Bot. Reg. 22: t. 1882 (1836)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sticky Aptosimum, 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: Charleen Brunke, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, 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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