Cuphea viscosissima Plant Care

Cuphea viscosissima (Cuphea viscosissima) belongs to the Lythraceae family within the Cuphea genus. Cuphea viscosissima is native to the eastern United States.

Cuphea viscosissima displays a compact, mounding habit growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Cuphea viscosissima produces tubular flowers in shades of red, purple, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cuphea viscosissima every 4–7 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.

Cuphea viscosissima thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cuphea viscosissima tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Cuphea viscosissima prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Cuphea viscosissima to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cuphea viscosissima every 6 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cuphea viscosissima is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Cuphea viscosissima can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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.

Prune Cuphea viscosissima 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.

Cuphea viscosissima 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.

Cuphea viscosissima can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to firecracker plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cuphea viscosissima 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.

Cuphea viscosissima grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cuphea viscosissima is native to the eastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Cuphea viscosissima as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.