Arabian Bassia Plant Care

Arabian Bassia (Bassia arabica) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Bassia genus. Arabian Bassia is native to Libya, Egypt, the Sinai peninsula, the Levant, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf States.

Arabian Bassia displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Arabian Bassia produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Arabian Bassia every 7–14 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.

Arabian Bassia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Bassia arabica tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Arabian Bassia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed Arabian Bassia 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 to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Arabian Bassia 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.

Arabian Bassia can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Arabian Bassia 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.

Arabian Bassia 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.

Arabian Bassia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Arabian Bassia 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.

Arabian Bassia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Arabian Bassia is native to Libya, Egypt, the Sinai peninsula, the Levant, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf States. In cooler regions, grow Arabian Bassia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.