Photo: 0kty at English WikipediaPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Frailejon Plant Care
Espeletia schultzii Wedd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Espeletia schultzii is a high altitude shrub endemic to the Andes of Venezuela.
Every 10–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Frailejon?
Water Frailejon every 10–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Frailejon Native To?
What Is the Frailejon?
Frailejon (Espeletia schultzii) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Espeletia genus. Frailejon is native to the Andes of Venezuela. Frailejon is also known as Espeletia corymbosa.
Frailejon displays a rosette-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Frailejon produces bright yellow composite flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Frailejon?
Espeletia schultzii requires watering every 10–14 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 10–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Frailejon Need?
Frailejon thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Frailejon Prefer?
Espeletia schultzii grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Frailejon prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Frailejon?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Frailejon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Frailejon?
Feed Frailejon 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 Frailejon?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Frailejon?
Frailejon can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Frailejon Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Frailejon, 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 Frailejon?
Frailejon is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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 Frailejon Need?
Frailejon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Frailejon is native to the Andes of Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Frailejon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Frailejon 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 Espeletia genus — compare its care with other Espeletia species on PlantoScan.
Espeletia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Frailejon 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: Espeletia schultzii Wedd., family Asteraceae (first published in Chlor. Andina 1: 63 (1856)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Frailejon, 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: 0kty at English Wikipedia, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, 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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