Cleonia lusitanica Plant Care
Cleonia lusitanica L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cleonia is a genus of plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), first described in 1763. It contains only one known species, Cleonia lusitanica, native to Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Cleonia lusitanica?
Water Cleonia lusitanica 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 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cleonia lusitanica Native To?
What Is the Cleonia lusitanica?
Cleonia lusitanica (Cleonia lusitanica) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Cleonia genus. Cleonia lusitanica is native to Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Cleonia lusitanica displays a compact, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cleonia lusitanica produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cleonia lusitanica?
Cleonia lusitanica 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 Cleonia lusitanica Need?
Cleonia lusitanica thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cleonia lusitanica Prefer?
Cleonia lusitanica grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Cleonia lusitanica prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cleonia lusitanica?
Loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Cleonia lusitanica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cleonia lusitanica?
Feed Cleonia lusitanica 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 Cleonia lusitanica?
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 Cleonia lusitanica?
Cleonia lusitanica can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division of root ball, seeds.
Is the Cleonia lusitanica Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cleonia lusitanica, 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 Cleonia lusitanica?
Cleonia lusitanica is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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 Cleonia lusitanica Need?
Cleonia lusitanica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cleonia lusitanica is native to Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. In cooler regions, grow Cleonia lusitanica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Cleonia lusitanica 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 Cleonia genus — compare its care with other Cleonia species on PlantoScan.
Cleonia is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Cleonia lusitanica 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: Cleonia lusitanica L., family Lamiaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. ed. 2 : 837 (1763)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cleonia lusitanica, 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.
