Water-willow Plant Care
Dianthera pectoralis J.F.Gmel.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dianthera pectoralis is an herb in the family Acanthaceae. This water-willow is widely known as tilo in Latin America and in Cuba.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Water-willow?
Water-willow grows best in bright indirect light.
What Is the Water-willow?
Water-willow (Dianthera pectoralis) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Dianthera genus.
Water-willow displays a compact, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Water-willow produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
What Light Does the Water-willow Need?
Water-willow thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Water-willow in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water-willow?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Water-willow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Water-willow?
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 Water-willow?
Water-willow can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to water willow plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Water-willow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water-willow, 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 Water-willow?
Water-willow 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.
Keep exploring plants
Water-willow 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 Dianthera genus — compare its care with other Dianthera species on PlantoScan.
Dianthera is part of the Acanthaceae plant family — browse all Acanthaceae genera and species.
Water-willow 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: Dianthera pectoralis J.F.Gmel., family Acanthaceae (first published in Syst. Nat. ed. 13[bis] : 36 (1791)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water-willow, 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.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Water-willow Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species