Tavaresia Plant Care
Loeflingia tavaresiana Samp.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This small, low-growing plant is most easily identified by its tiny, bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. Originating from the coast of Portugal, Loeflingia tavaresiana is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in sandy, coastal environments.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tavaresia?
Water Tavaresia every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Tavaresia?
Tavaresia (Loeflingia tavaresiana) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Loeflingia genus. Tavaresia is native to Spain, Portugal. Tavaresia is also known as Tavares' stickleaf.
Tavaresia displays a low mat-forming groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Tavaresia produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tavaresia?
Loeflingia tavaresiana 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 Tavaresia Need?
Tavaresia thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tavaresia Prefer?
Loeflingia tavaresiana grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Tavaresia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tavaresia?
Well-draining sandy soil with low to moderate fertility. Good drainage is essential for Tavaresia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tavaresia?
Feed Tavaresia 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 Tavaresia?
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 Tavaresia?
Tavaresia can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.
Is the Tavaresia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tavaresia, 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 Tavaresia?
Tavaresia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. 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 Tavaresia Need?
Tavaresia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Tavaresia is native to Spain, Portugal. In cooler regions, grow Tavaresia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Tavaresia 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 Loeflingia genus — compare its care with other Loeflingia species on PlantoScan.
Loeflingia is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Tavaresia 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: Loeflingia tavaresiana Samp., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat. (Oporto) 10: 253 (1906)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tavaresia, 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 12a, 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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