Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Hairy Leobordea Plant Care
Leobordea eriantha (Benth.) B.-E.van Wyk & Boatwr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Leobordea eriantha is known for its unique fuzzy leaves that are a silvery-green color, giving it a soft and velvety appearance. Native to the grasslands of South Africa, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its drought tolerance and striking texture, making it a standout in any collection.
Every 10–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairy Leobordea?
Water Hairy Leobordea every 10–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Hairy Leobordea?
Hairy Leobordea (Leobordea eriantha) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Leobordea genus. Hairy Leobordea is native to South Africa. Hairy Leobordea is also known as Woolly Leobordea.
Hairy Leobordea displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hairy Leobordea produces small clusters of pink, purple, or white pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairy Leobordea?
Leobordea eriantha requires watering every 10–14 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 10–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hairy Leobordea Need?
Hairy Leobordea thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Hairy Leobordea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairy Leobordea Prefer?
Leobordea eriantha grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Hairy Leobordea prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairy Leobordea?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Hairy Leobordea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairy Leobordea?
Feed Hairy Leobordea every month 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 month
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 Leobordea?
Repot every 1-2 years in early 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 Hairy Leobordea?
Hairy Leobordea can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to adpressed leobordea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hairy Leobordea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairy Leobordea, 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 Leobordea?
Hairy Leobordea 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 Hairy Leobordea Need?
Hairy Leobordea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Hairy Leobordea is native to South Africa.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Hairy Leobordea 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 Leobordea genus — compare its care with other Leobordea species on PlantoScan.
Leobordea is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Hairy Leobordea 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: Leobordea eriantha (Benth.) B.-E.van Wyk & Boatwr., family Fabaceae (first published in Taxon 60: 175 (2011)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairy Leobordea, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 10b, 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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