Cyanea undulata Plant Care
Cyanea undulata C.N.Forbes
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cyanea undulata is a rare species of flowering plant in the bellflower family known by the common names wavy cyanea and leechleaf cyanea. It is endemic to the island of Kauai, where it is in rapid decline.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cyanea undulata?
Plant Cyanea undulata in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Cyanea undulata?
Cyanea undulata (Cyanea undulata) belongs to the Campanulaceae family within the Cyanea genus. Cyanea undulata is native to the island of Kauai.
Cyanea undulata displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cyanea undulata produces showy, colorful bracts with small flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cyanea undulata?
Water a young or newly planted Cyanea undulata 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 Cyanea undulata Need?
Cyanea undulata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cyanea undulata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cyanea undulata Prefer?
Cyanea undulata tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Cyanea undulata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cyanea undulata?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cyanea undulata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cyanea undulata?
Feed Cyanea undulata 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 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 Cyanea undulata?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Cyanea undulata 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Cyanea undulata?
Cyanea undulata 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 Cyanea undulata?
Prune Cyanea undulata 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 Cyanea undulata in Winter?
Cyanea undulata 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 Cyanea undulata?
Cyanea undulata can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to haleakala silversword plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cyanea undulata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cyanea undulata, 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 Cyanea undulata?
Cyanea undulata is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Cyanea undulata Need?
Cyanea undulata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cyanea undulata is native to the island of Kauai. In cooler regions, grow Cyanea undulata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Cyanea undulata 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 Cyanea genus — compare its care with other Cyanea species on PlantoScan.
Cyanea is part of the Campanulaceae plant family — browse all Campanulaceae genera and species.
Cyanea undulata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Cyanea Species
Other Cyanea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cyanea undulata C.N.Forbes, family Campanulaceae (first published in Occas. Pap. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Mus. 5: 12 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cyanea undulata, 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.
