Boerhavia triquetra Plant Care

Boerhavia triquetra S.Watson

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Boerhavia triquetra, commonly known as creeping sticky stem, five-wing spiderling, slender spiderling, or spiderling, is an annual species of spiderling plant in the four o'clock family (Nyctaginaceae).

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Boerhavia triquetra?

Water Boerhavia triquetra 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.

What Is the Boerhavia triquetra?

Boerhavia triquetra (Boerhavia triquetra) belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family within the Boerhavia genus.

Boerhavia triquetra displays a low spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Boerhavia triquetra produces small pink or white clustered flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Boerhavia triquetra?

Boerhavia triquetra 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 Boerhavia triquetra Need?

Boerhavia triquetra thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Boerhavia triquetra Prefer?

Boerhavia triquetra grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Boerhavia triquetra prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Boerhavia triquetra?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Boerhavia triquetra?

Feed Boerhavia triquetra 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 Boerhavia triquetra?

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 Boerhavia triquetra?

Boerhavia triquetra can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to erect boerhavia plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Boerhavia triquetra Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Boerhavia triquetra, 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 Boerhavia triquetra?

Boerhavia triquetra 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 Boerhavia triquetra Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Boerhavia triquetra 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.

Boerhavia triquetra 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 triquetra S.Watson, family Nyctaginaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 24: 69 (1889)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Boerhavia triquetra, 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.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Boerhavia triquetra Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species