Fitchia cordata Plant Care
Fitchia cordata M.L.Grant & Carlquist
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Fitchia cordata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is endemic to the island of Bora Bora in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fitchia cordata?
Water Fitchia cordata every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Fitchia cordata Native To?
What Is the Fitchia cordata?
Fitchia cordata (Fitchia cordata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Fitchia genus. Fitchia cordata is native to the island of Bora Bora in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.
Fitchia cordata displays a compact, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Fitchia cordata produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fitchia cordata?
Fitchia cordata requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fitchia cordata Need?
Fitchia cordata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Fitchia cordata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fitchia cordata Prefer?
Fitchia cordata grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Fitchia cordata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fitchia cordata?
Well-draining soil mix with high organic content, such as peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Fitchia cordata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fitchia cordata?
Feed Fitchia cordata 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 Fitchia cordata?
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 Fitchia cordata?
Fitchia cordata can be propagated through division, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fitchia mangarevensis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fitchia cordata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fitchia cordata, 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 Fitchia cordata?
Fitchia cordata 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 Fitchia cordata Need?
Fitchia cordata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Fitchia cordata is native to the island of Bora Bora in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. In cooler regions, grow Fitchia cordata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Fitchia cordata 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 Fitchia genus — compare its care with other Fitchia species on PlantoScan.
Fitchia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Fitchia cordata 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: Fitchia cordata M.L.Grant & Carlquist, family Asteraceae (first published in Pacific Sci. xvii. 282 (1963).) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fitchia cordata, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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