Photo: Morten RossCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
White Leucas Plant Care
Leucas virgata Balf.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its unique lance-shaped leaves that are covered in soft, velvety hairs. Originating from India and Sri Lanka, Leucas virgata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its delicate and attractive foliage, as well as its tiny white flowers that bloom in clusters at the tips of the stems.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for White Leucas?
Water White Leucas 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 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the White Leucas Native To?
What Is the White Leucas?
White Leucas (Leucas virgata) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Leucas genus. White Leucas is native to the island of Socotra in Yemen. White Leucas is also known as Cylindrical button weed.
White Leucas displays a low spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. White Leucas produces small tubular white flowers in dense spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a White Leucas?
Leucas virgata 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 White Leucas Need?
White Leucas thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the White Leucas Prefer?
Leucas virgata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. White Leucas 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 White Leucas?
Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for White Leucas to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a White Leucas?
Feed White Leucas every 2 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 2 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 White Leucas?
Repot annually in 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 White Leucas?
White Leucas can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to leucas flagellifera plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the White Leucas Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list White Leucas, 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 White Leucas?
White Leucas 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.
Keep exploring plants
White Leucas 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 Leucas genus — compare its care with other Leucas species on PlantoScan.
Leucas is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
White Leucas thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Leucas Species
Other Leucas species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Leucas virgata Balf.f., family Lamiaceae (first published in Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh 12: 91 (1883)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list White Leucas, 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: Morten Ross, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
White Leucas Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species