Kopsiopsis strobilacea Plant Care
Kopsiopsis strobilacea (A.Gray) Beck
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Kopsiopsis strobilacea, the California groundcone, is a species of parasitic plant in the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to California and southern Oregon, where it grows in wooded areas and chaparral.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Kopsiopsis strobilacea?
Plant Kopsiopsis strobilacea in partial shade to full shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Kopsiopsis strobilacea Native To?
What Is the Kopsiopsis strobilacea?
Kopsiopsis strobilacea (Kopsiopsis strobilacea) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Kopsiopsis genus. Kopsiopsis strobilacea is native to California and southern Oregon.
Kopsiopsis strobilacea displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Kopsiopsis strobilacea produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink and purple.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kopsiopsis strobilacea?
Water a young or newly planted Kopsiopsis strobilacea 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 Kopsiopsis strobilacea Need?
Kopsiopsis strobilacea thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Kopsiopsis strobilacea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kopsiopsis strobilacea Prefer?
Kopsiopsis strobilacea tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Kopsiopsis strobilacea prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kopsiopsis strobilacea?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Kopsiopsis strobilacea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kopsiopsis strobilacea?
Feed Kopsiopsis strobilacea 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 Kopsiopsis strobilacea?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Kopsiopsis strobilacea 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 Kopsiopsis strobilacea?
Kopsiopsis strobilacea can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Kopsiopsis strobilacea?
Prune Kopsiopsis strobilacea 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 Kopsiopsis strobilacea in Winter?
Kopsiopsis strobilacea 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 Kopsiopsis strobilacea?
Kopsiopsis strobilacea can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kopsiopsis hookeri plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kopsiopsis strobilacea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kopsiopsis strobilacea, 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 Kopsiopsis strobilacea?
Kopsiopsis strobilacea 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 Kopsiopsis strobilacea Need?
Kopsiopsis strobilacea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Kopsiopsis strobilacea is native to California and southern Oregon. In cooler regions, grow Kopsiopsis strobilacea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Kopsiopsis strobilacea 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 Kopsiopsis genus — compare its care with other Kopsiopsis species on PlantoScan.
Kopsiopsis is part of the Orobanchaceae plant family — browse all Orobanchaceae genera and species.
Kopsiopsis strobilacea copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Kopsiopsis strobilacea (A.Gray) Beck, family Orobanchaceae (first published in Pflanzenr. , IV, 261: 306 (1930)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kopsiopsis strobilacea, 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.
