Photo: Matt BergerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Monkey Flower Plant Care
Erythranthe nasuta (Greene) G.L.Nesom
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's elongated, tubular flowers in shades of bright red are its most distinctive visual feature. Originating from the western United States, Erythranthe nasuta is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Monkey Flower?
Water Monkey Flower every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Monkey Flower Native To?
What Is the Monkey Flower?
Monkey Flower (Erythranthe nasuta) belongs to the Phrymaceae family within the Erythranthe genus. Monkey Flower is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to northwestern Mexico. Monkey Flower is also known as Dragon\'s Mouth Orchid, Kangaroo Paw.
Monkey Flower displays an upright, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Monkey Flower produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, or pink.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Monkey Flower?
Erythranthe nasuta requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Monkey Flower Need?
Monkey Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Monkey Flower Prefer?
Erythranthe nasuta grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Monkey Flower prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Monkey Flower?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Monkey Flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Monkey Flower?
Feed Monkey Flower 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 Monkey Flower?
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 Monkey Flower?
Monkey Flower can be propagated through seeds, division, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to short-flowered monkeyflower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Monkey Flower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Monkey Flower, 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 Monkey Flower?
Monkey Flower 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 Monkey Flower Need?
Monkey Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Monkey Flower is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to northwestern Mexico.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Monkey Flower 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 Erythranthe genus — compare its care with other Erythranthe species on PlantoScan.
Erythranthe is part of the Phrymaceae plant family — browse all Phrymaceae genera and species.
Monkey Flower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Erythranthe Species
Other Erythranthe species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Erythranthe nasuta (Greene) G.L.Nesom, family Phrymaceae (first published in Phytoneuron 2012-39: 44 (2012)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Monkey Flower, 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.
- Photo: Matt Berger, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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