Ratanhia Plant Care

Ratanhia (Krameria lappacea) belongs to the Krameriaceae family within the Krameria genus. Ratanhia is native to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile and northwest Argentina. Ratanhia is also known as Peruvian Rhatany.

Ratanhia displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Ratanhia produces small red or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ratanhia every 10–14 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.

Ratanhia thrives in full sun.

Krameria lappacea tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Ratanhia prefers humidity levels of 20–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Ratanhia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ratanhia is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Ratanhia can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.

Prune Ratanhia 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.

Ratanhia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ratanhia can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to two-color rhatany plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Ratanhia is susceptible to no common pests known. 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.

Ratanhia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ratanhia is native to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile and northwest Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Ratanhia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.