Photo: GERMAN LEONEL SARMIENTO CRUZCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hairy Kohleria Plant Care
Kohleria hirsuta Regel
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Kohleria hirsuta is known for its soft, velvety leaves covered in fine white hairs, giving it a unique and tactile appearance. Originating from Central and South America, this plant is sought after by collectors for its striking foliage and beautiful tubular flowers, making it a prized addition to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light to partial shade
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairy Kohleria?
Water Hairy Kohleria every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hairy Kohleria Native To?
What Is the Hairy Kohleria?
Hairy Kohleria (Kohleria hirsuta) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Kohleria genus. Hairy Kohleria is native to northern South America, and introduced to the Dominican Republic.
Hairy Kohleria displays a compact, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hairy Kohleria produces tubular flowers in various colors like red, orange, yellow, and pink.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairy Kohleria?
Kohleria hirsuta 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 Hairy Kohleria Need?
Hairy Kohleria thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Hairy Kohleria in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairy Kohleria Prefer?
Kohleria hirsuta grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Hairy Kohleria prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairy Kohleria?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Hairy Kohleria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairy Kohleria?
Feed Hairy Kohleria every 2 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 2 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 Hairy Kohleria?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide space for growth. 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 Hairy Kohleria?
Hairy Kohleria can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, leaf cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to koehleria plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hairy Kohleria Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairy Kohleria, 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 Hairy Kohleria?
Hairy Kohleria is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 Hairy Kohleria Need?
Hairy Kohleria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Hairy Kohleria is native to northern South America, and introduced to the Dominican Republic. In cooler regions, grow Hairy Kohleria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Hairy Kohleria 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 Kohleria genus — compare its care with other Kohleria species on PlantoScan.
Kohleria is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Hairy Kohleria 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: Kohleria hirsuta Regel, family Gesneriaceae (first published in Flora 31: 250 (1848)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairy Kohleria, 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.
- Photo: GERMAN LEONEL SARMIENTO CRUZ, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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