Brotera contrayerba Plant Care

Brotera contrayerba (Ethulia bidentis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Ethulia genus. Brotera contrayerba is native to South America, and naturalized in many places. Brotera contrayerba is also known as Ethulia bidentis, Eupatorium chilense, Flaveria bidentis.

Brotera contrayerba displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Brotera contrayerba produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Brotera contrayerba every 7–10 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.

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

Ethulia bidentis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Brotera contrayerba prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Brotera contrayerba to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Brotera contrayerba every 6 months 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 bright indirect light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Brotera contrayerba is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Brotera contrayerba can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 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 Brotera contrayerba 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.

Brotera contrayerba is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Brotera contrayerba can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false camomile plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Brotera contrayerba 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.

Brotera contrayerba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Brotera contrayerba is native to South America, and naturalized in many places. In cooler regions, grow Brotera contrayerba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.