Lethia umbellata Plant Care
Lethia umbellata (Klatt) Ravenna
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lethia umbellata is a species of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae first described in 1986. It is the only species in the monotypic genus of Lethia, and is native to Brazil and Bolivia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lethia umbellata?
Water Lethia umbellata every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Lethia umbellata?
Lethia umbellata (Lethia umbellata) belongs to the Iridaceae family within the Lethia genus. Lethia umbellata is native to Brazil and Bolivia.
Lethia umbellata displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lethia umbellata produces showy, colorful flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lethia umbellata?
Lethia umbellata 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 Lethia umbellata Need?
Lethia umbellata thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lethia umbellata Prefer?
Lethia umbellata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Lethia umbellata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lethia umbellata?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Lethia umbellata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lethia umbellata?
Feed Lethia umbellata every 6 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 6 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 Lethia umbellata?
Repot every 2-3 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 Lethia umbellata?
Lethia umbellata can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds.
Is the Lethia umbellata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lethia umbellata, 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 Lethia umbellata?
Lethia umbellata is susceptible to aphids, thrips, 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 Lethia umbellata Need?
Lethia umbellata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Lethia umbellata is native to Brazil and Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Lethia umbellata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Lethia umbellata 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 Lethia genus — compare its care with other Lethia species on PlantoScan.
Lethia is part of the Iridaceae plant family — browse all Iridaceae genera and species.
Lethia umbellata 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: Lethia umbellata (Klatt) Ravenna, family Iridaceae (first published in Nordic J. Bot. 6(5): 587 (1986):.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lethia umbellata, 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.
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