Foliate Ephedra Plant Care

Foliate Ephedra (Ephedra foliata) belongs to the Ephedraceae family within the Ephedra genus. Foliate Ephedra is native to North Africa, and Southwest Asia, from Morocco and Mauritania east to Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and Punjab State in India. Foliate Ephedra is also known as Desert Tea.

Foliate Ephedra displays a low shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Foliate Ephedra produces inconspicuous, small flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Foliate Ephedra every 14–21 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.

Foliate Ephedra thrives in full sun.

Ephedra foliata tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Foliate Ephedra prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.

Sandy, well-draining soil with low organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Foliate Ephedra to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Foliate Ephedra every month 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 and sandy, well-draining soil with low organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Foliate Ephedra is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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.

Foliate Ephedra can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Foliate Ephedra 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.

Foliate Ephedra is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Foliate Ephedra can be propagated through seed propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mormon tea plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Foliate Ephedra is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. 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.

Foliate Ephedra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Foliate Ephedra is native to North Africa, and Southwest Asia, from Morocco and Mauritania east to Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and Punjab State in India. In cooler regions, grow Foliate Ephedra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.