Photo: Daniel CahenCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Erect Boerhavia Plant Care
Boerhavia erecta L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its striking pink-purple flowers that bloom in clusters. Native to the Americas, Boerhavia erecta is highly sought after by plant collectors for its ability to thrive in dry, arid conditions and its unusual flower color.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Erect Boerhavia?
Water Erect Boerhavia 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 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Erect Boerhavia Native To?
What Is the Erect Boerhavia?
Erect Boerhavia (Boerhavia erecta) belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family within the Boerhavia genus. Erect Boerhavia is native to the United States, Mexico, Central America, Angola and western South America.
Erect Boerhavia displays a low spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Erect Boerhavia produces small pink or white clustered flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Erect Boerhavia?
Boerhavia erecta 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 Erect Boerhavia Need?
Erect Boerhavia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Erect Boerhavia Prefer?
Boerhavia erecta grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Erect Boerhavia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Erect Boerhavia?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Erect Boerhavia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Erect Boerhavia?
Feed Erect Boerhavia every 6 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 6 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 Erect Boerhavia?
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 Erect Boerhavia?
Erect Boerhavia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spiderling plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Erect Boerhavia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Erect Boerhavia, 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 Erect Boerhavia?
Erect Boerhavia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Erect Boerhavia Need?
Erect Boerhavia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Erect Boerhavia is native to the United States, Mexico, Central America, Angola and western South America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Erect Boerhavia 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 Boerhavia genus — compare its care with other Boerhavia species on PlantoScan.
Boerhavia is part of the Nyctaginaceae plant family — browse all Nyctaginaceae genera and species.
Erect Boerhavia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Boerhavia Species
Other Boerhavia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Boerhavia erecta L., family Nyctaginaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 3 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Erect Boerhavia, 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: Daniel Cahen, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 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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