Chromolaena sinuata Plant Care
Chromolaena sinuata (Lam.) R.M.King & H.Rob.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Chromolaena sinuata, the wavyleaf thoroughwort, is a Caribbean species of flowering shrub in the family Asteraceae. It is found on the Islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Martinique, La Desirade, Montserrat, St.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chromolaena sinuata?
Plant Chromolaena sinuata in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Chromolaena sinuata?
Chromolaena sinuata (Chromolaena sinuata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Chromolaena genus.
Chromolaena sinuata displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chromolaena sinuata produces small white or lavender flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chromolaena sinuata?
Water a young or newly planted Chromolaena sinuata every 7–10 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Chromolaena sinuata Need?
Chromolaena sinuata thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chromolaena sinuata Prefer?
Chromolaena sinuata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Chromolaena sinuata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chromolaena sinuata?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Chromolaena sinuata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chromolaena sinuata?
Feed Chromolaena sinuata every 4 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.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Chromolaena sinuata?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Chromolaena sinuata 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Chromolaena sinuata?
Chromolaena sinuata can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.
How Do You Prune a Chromolaena sinuata?
Prune Chromolaena sinuata 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.
How Do You Care for a Chromolaena sinuata in Winter?
Chromolaena sinuata 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.
How Do You Propagate a Chromolaena sinuata?
Chromolaena sinuata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bigelow's thoroughwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Chromolaena sinuata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chromolaena sinuata, 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 Chromolaena sinuata?
Chromolaena sinuata 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 Chromolaena sinuata Need?
Chromolaena sinuata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Chromolaena sinuata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Chromolaena sinuata 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 Chromolaena genus — compare its care with other Chromolaena species on PlantoScan.
Chromolaena is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Chromolaena sinuata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Chromolaena Species
Other Chromolaena species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Chromolaena sinuata (Lam.) R.M.King & H.Rob., family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 32: 283 (1975)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chromolaena sinuata, 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 13b, 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.
