Photo: Brooke SmithCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Yellow Bells Plant Care
Chrysothemis melittifolia (L.) M.M.Mora & J.L.Clark
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature is its vibrant yellow flowers with intricate red patterns, resembling a bee. Originating from Brazil, Chrysothemis melittifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking colors and rare bloom.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Yellow Bells?
Water Yellow Bells every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Yellow Bells Native To?
What Is the Yellow Bells?
Yellow Bells (Chrysothemis melittifolia) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Chrysothemis genus. Yellow Bells is native to the Lesser Antilles and Trinidad and Tobago. Yellow Bells is also known as Monkey Flower.
Yellow Bells displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Yellow Bells produces tubular orange flowers with yellow throats.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Yellow Bells?
Chrysothemis melittifolia 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 Yellow Bells Need?
Yellow Bells thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Yellow Bells in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Yellow Bells Prefer?
Chrysothemis melittifolia grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Yellow Bells prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Yellow Bells?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Yellow Bells to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Yellow Bells?
Feed Yellow Bells 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 Yellow Bells?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Yellow Bells?
Yellow Bells can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marmalade bush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Yellow Bells Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Yellow Bells, 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 Yellow Bells?
Yellow Bells is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Yellow Bells Need?
Yellow Bells grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Yellow Bells is native to the Lesser Antilles and Trinidad and Tobago. In cooler regions, grow Yellow Bells as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Yellow Bells 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 Chrysothemis genus — compare its care with other Chrysothemis species on PlantoScan.
Chrysothemis is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Yellow Bells 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: Chrysothemis melittifolia (L.) M.M.Mora & J.L.Clark, family Gesneriaceae (first published in Syst. Bot. 41: 95 (2016)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Yellow Bells, 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: Brooke Smith, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Yellow Bells 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.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species