Photo: Vítor JorgeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Yerva mora Plant Care
Bosea yervamora L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its distinctively ruffled edges, the leaves of this unique plant resemble delicate lace. Originating from the cloud forests of Ecuador, this species is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in high humidity environments.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Yerva mora?
Water Yerva mora 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 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Yerva mora Native To?
What Is the Yerva mora?
Yerva mora (Bosea yervamora) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Bosea genus. Yerva mora is native to the Canary Islands, up to 3 m tall with greenish slender branches. Yerva mora is also known as Purple basil.
Yerva mora displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Yerva mora produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Yerva mora?
Bosea yervamora 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 Yerva mora Need?
Yerva mora thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Yerva mora Prefer?
Bosea yervamora grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Yerva mora prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Yerva mora?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Yerva mora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Yerva mora?
Feed Yerva mora 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 Yerva mora?
Repot every 2-3 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 Yerva mora?
Yerva mora can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bosea cypria plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Yerva mora Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Yerva mora, 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 Yerva mora?
Yerva mora 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 Yerva mora Need?
Yerva mora grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Yerva mora is native to the Canary Islands, up to 3 m tall with greenish slender branches. In cooler regions, grow Yerva mora as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Yerva mora 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 Bosea genus — compare its care with other Bosea species on PlantoScan.
Bosea is part of the Amaranthaceae plant family — browse all Amaranthaceae genera and species.
Yerva mora thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bosea yervamora L., family Amaranthaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 225 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Yerva mora, 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: Vítor Jorge, 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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