Hebecarpa macradenia Plant Care
Hebecarpa macradenia (A.Gray) J.R.Abbott
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hebecarpa macradenia, synonym Polygala macradenia, the glandleaf milkwort, is a subshrub in the milkwort family (Polygalaceae) found in the Arizona Uplands of the Sonoran Desert. Its "odd" flowers are said to be "spectacularly beautiful" when viewed with a hand lens.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Hebecarpa macradenia?
Water Hebecarpa macradenia every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hebecarpa macradenia Native To?
What Is the Hebecarpa macradenia?
Hebecarpa macradenia (Hebecarpa macradenia) belongs to the Polygalaceae family within the Hebecarpa genus. Hebecarpa macradenia is native to the Arizona Uplands of the Sonoran Desert.
Hebecarpa macradenia displays a low rosette, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Hebecarpa macradenia produces small, colorful blooms in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hebecarpa macradenia?
Hebecarpa macradenia 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 Hebecarpa macradenia Need?
Hebecarpa macradenia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Hebecarpa macradenia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hebecarpa macradenia Prefer?
Hebecarpa macradenia grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Hebecarpa macradenia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hebecarpa macradenia?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Hebecarpa macradenia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hebecarpa macradenia?
Feed Hebecarpa macradenia 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 Hebecarpa macradenia?
Repot every 1-2 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 Hebecarpa macradenia?
Hebecarpa macradenia can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to smoothleaf hebecarpa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hebecarpa macradenia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hebecarpa macradenia, 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 Hebecarpa macradenia?
Hebecarpa macradenia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Hebecarpa macradenia Need?
Hebecarpa macradenia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hebecarpa macradenia is native to the Arizona Uplands of the Sonoran Desert. In cooler regions, grow Hebecarpa macradenia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Hebecarpa macradenia 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 Hebecarpa genus — compare its care with other Hebecarpa species on PlantoScan.
Hebecarpa is part of the Polygalaceae plant family — browse all Polygalaceae genera and species.
Hebecarpa macradenia 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: Hebecarpa macradenia (A.Gray) J.R.Abbott, family Polygalaceae (first published in J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 5: 134 (2011)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hebecarpa macradenia, 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.
