Dasytropis fragilis Plant Care

Dasytropis fragilis Urb.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Dasytropis fragilis is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It is a climbing shrub native to the Sierra de Nipe in eastern Cuba.

🌿Shrubs🪴Houseplants
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Dasytropis fragilis?

Water Dasytropis fragilis every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Dasytropis fragilis Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Dasytropis fragilis?

Dasytropis fragilis (Dasytropis fragilis) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Dasytropis genus. Dasytropis fragilis is native to the Sierra de Nipe in eastern Cuba.

Dasytropis fragilis displays a compact, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Dasytropis fragilis produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Dasytropis fragilis?

Dasytropis fragilis 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 Dasytropis fragilis Need?

Dasytropis fragilis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Dasytropis fragilis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dasytropis fragilis Prefer?

Dasytropis fragilis grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Dasytropis fragilis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dasytropis fragilis?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Dasytropis fragilis?

Feed Dasytropis fragilis 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 Dasytropis fragilis?

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 Dasytropis fragilis?

Dasytropis fragilis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Dasytropis fragilis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Dasytropis fragilis, 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 Dasytropis fragilis?

Dasytropis fragilis 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 Dasytropis fragilis Need?

Dasytropis fragilis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Dasytropis fragilis is native to the Sierra de Nipe in eastern Cuba. In cooler regions, grow Dasytropis fragilis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Dasytropis fragilis 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 Dasytropis genus — compare its care with other Dasytropis species on PlantoScan.

Dasytropis is part of the Acanthaceae plant family — browse all Acanthaceae genera and species.

Dasytropis fragilis 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: Dasytropis fragilis Urb., family Acanthaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 20: 311 (1924)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dasytropis fragilis, 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 13b, 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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