Colpias mollis Plant Care
Colpias mollis E.Mey.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Colpias is a monotypic genus of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae. It has only one currently accepted species, Colpias mollis, native to South Africa.
Every 4–7 days
Partial shade to full sun
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Colpias mollis?
Water Colpias mollis every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. 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 Colpias mollis Native To?
What Is the Colpias mollis?
Colpias mollis (Colpias mollis) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Colpias genus. Colpias mollis is native to South Africa.
Colpias mollis displays a compact, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Colpias mollis produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Colpias mollis?
Colpias mollis requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Colpias mollis Need?
Colpias mollis thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Colpias mollis Prefer?
Colpias mollis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Colpias mollis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Colpias mollis?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Colpias mollis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Colpias mollis?
Feed Colpias mollis 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 Colpias mollis?
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 Colpias mollis?
Colpias mollis can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets, stem cuttings.
Is the Colpias mollis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Colpias mollis, 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 Colpias mollis?
Colpias mollis 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 Colpias mollis Need?
Colpias mollis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Colpias mollis is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Colpias mollis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Colpias mollis 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 Colpias genus — compare its care with other Colpias species on PlantoScan.
Colpias is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae genera and species.
Colpias mollis 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: Colpias mollis E.Mey., family Scrophulariaceae (first published in Compan. Bot. Mag. 2: 53 (1836)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Colpias mollis, 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.
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