Listrostachys pertusa Plant Care

Listrostachys pertusa (Listrostachys pertusa) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Listrostachys genus. Listrostachys pertusa is native to tropical Africa from Sierra Leone to Congo-Kinshasa.

Listrostachys pertusa displays an erect, clumping epiphyte growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Listrostachys pertusa produces colorful, fragrant blooms in various shapes and sizes.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Listrostachys pertusa 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.

Listrostachys pertusa thrives in bright indirect to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Listrostachys pertusa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Listrostachys pertusa tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Listrostachys pertusa prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Listrostachys pertusa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Listrostachys pertusa 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to dappled sunlight and loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Listrostachys pertusa is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Listrostachys pertusa can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Listrostachys pertusa 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.

Listrostachys pertusa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Listrostachys pertusa can be propagated through division, back bulbs.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Listrostachys pertusa is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, aphids. 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.

Listrostachys pertusa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Listrostachys pertusa is native to tropical Africa from Sierra Leone to Congo-Kinshasa. In cooler regions, grow Listrostachys pertusa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.