Chinese Hat Plant Plant Care
Holmskioldia sanguinea Retz.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Holmskioldia is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Himalayas but widely cultivated as an ornamental and naturalized in many places It contains only one known species, Holmskioldia sanguinea, commonly called the Chinese hat plant, cup-and-saucer-plant or mandarin's hat.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chinese Hat Plant?
Water Chinese Hat Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Chinese Hat Plant?
Chinese Hat Plant (Holmskioldia sanguinea) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Holmskioldia genus. Chinese Hat Plant is native to the Himalayas. Chinese Hat Plant is also known as Mandarin Hat Plant, Parasol Flower, Cup and Saucer Flower.
Chinese Hat Plant displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Chinese Hat Plant produces showy clusters of trumpet-shaped orange or yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chinese Hat Plant?
Holmskioldia sanguinea 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 Chinese Hat Plant Need?
Chinese Hat Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chinese Hat Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chinese Hat Plant Prefer?
Holmskioldia sanguinea grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Chinese Hat Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chinese Hat Plant?
Well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Hat Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chinese Hat Plant?
Feed Chinese Hat Plant 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 Chinese Hat Plant?
Repot annually 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 Chinese Hat Plant?
Chinese Hat Plant can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.
Is the Chinese Hat Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chinese Hat Plant, 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 Chinese Hat Plant?
Chinese Hat Plant 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 Chinese Hat Plant Need?
Chinese Hat Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Chinese Hat Plant is native to the Himalayas. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Hat Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Chinese Hat Plant 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 Holmskioldia genus — compare its care with other Holmskioldia species on PlantoScan.
Holmskioldia is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Chinese Hat Plant 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: Holmskioldia sanguinea Retz., family Lamiaceae (first published in Observ. Bot. 6: 31 (1791)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chinese Hat Plant, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Chinese Hat Plant Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species