Hebanthe eriantha Plant Care
Hebanthe eriantha (Poir.) Pedersen
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hebanthe erianthos, known as suma or Brazilian ginseng, is a species of plant in the family Amaranthaceae. The specific epithet is also spelt "eriantha", although the basionym is Iresine erianthos.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Hebanthe eriantha?
Plant Hebanthe eriantha in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Hebanthe eriantha?
Hebanthe eriantha (Hebanthe eriantha) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Hebanthe genus.
Hebanthe eriantha displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Hebanthe eriantha produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hebanthe eriantha?
Water a young or newly planted Hebanthe eriantha 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Hebanthe eriantha Need?
Hebanthe eriantha thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hebanthe eriantha Prefer?
Hebanthe eriantha tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Hebanthe eriantha prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hebanthe eriantha?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Hebanthe eriantha to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hebanthe eriantha?
Feed Hebanthe eriantha 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Hebanthe eriantha?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Hebanthe eriantha 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Hebanthe eriantha?
Hebanthe eriantha can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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.
How Do You Prune a Hebanthe eriantha?
Prune Hebanthe eriantha 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.
How Do You Care for a Hebanthe eriantha in Winter?
Hebanthe eriantha 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.
How Do You Propagate a Hebanthe eriantha?
Hebanthe eriantha can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps.
Is the Hebanthe eriantha Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hebanthe eriantha, 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 Hebanthe eriantha?
Hebanthe eriantha 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 Hebanthe eriantha Need?
Hebanthe eriantha grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Hebanthe eriantha as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Hebanthe eriantha 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 Hebanthe genus — compare its care with other Hebanthe species on PlantoScan.
Hebanthe is part of the Amaranthaceae plant family — browse all Amaranthaceae genera and species.
Hebanthe eriantha 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: Hebanthe eriantha (Poir.) Pedersen, family Amaranthaceae (first published in Bonplandia (Corrientes) 10: 101 (2000)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hebanthe eriantha, 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 13a, 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.
