Lasianthus ciliatus Plant Care
Lasianthus ciliatus Wight
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its fuzzy leaves and unique growth habit, Lasianthus ciliatus is a standout in any plant collection. This tropical plant hails from Southeast Asia, where it thrives in humid forests. Plant enthusiasts are drawn to its unusual appearance and the challenge of caring for this exotic species.
Every 7–10 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lasianthus ciliatus?
Plant Lasianthus ciliatus in filtered sunlight or partial shade (USDA zones 10b–11b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Lasianthus ciliatus Native To?
What Is the Lasianthus ciliatus?
Lasianthus ciliatus (Lasianthus ciliatus) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Lasianthus genus. Lasianthus ciliatus is native to Tamil Nadu in India. Lasianthus ciliatus is also known as Fuzzy Lasianthus, Hairy Lasianthus.
Lasianthus ciliatus displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Lasianthus ciliatus produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lasianthus ciliatus?
Water a young or newly planted Lasianthus ciliatus 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 Lasianthus ciliatus Need?
Lasianthus ciliatus thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Lasianthus ciliatus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lasianthus ciliatus Prefer?
Lasianthus ciliatus tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Lasianthus ciliatus 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 Lasianthus ciliatus?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Lasianthus ciliatus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lasianthus ciliatus?
Feed Lasianthus ciliatus 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 Lasianthus ciliatus?
Choose a spot with filtered sunlight or partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Lasianthus ciliatus is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.
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 Lasianthus ciliatus?
Lasianthus ciliatus can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Lasianthus ciliatus?
Prune Lasianthus ciliatus 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 Lasianthus ciliatus in Winter?
Lasianthus ciliatus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). 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 Lasianthus ciliatus?
Lasianthus ciliatus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lasianthus chlorocarpus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lasianthus ciliatus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lasianthus ciliatus, 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 Lasianthus ciliatus?
Lasianthus ciliatus is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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 Lasianthus ciliatus Need?
Lasianthus ciliatus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Lasianthus ciliatus is native to Tamil Nadu in India. In cooler regions, grow Lasianthus ciliatus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Lasianthus ciliatus 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 Lasianthus genus — compare its care with other Lasianthus species on PlantoScan.
Lasianthus is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.
Lasianthus ciliatus produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
More Lasianthus Species
Other Lasianthus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lasianthus ciliatus Wight, family Rubiaceae (first published in Calcutta J. Nat. Hist. 6: 509 (1846)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lasianthus ciliatus, 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 10b – 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.
