Malesherbia lactea Plant Care

Malesherbia lactea (Malesherbia lactea) belongs to the Passifloraceae family within the Malesherbia genus. Malesherbia lactea is native to the La Rioja and San Juan regions of Argentina and the Antofagasta and Atacama regions of Chile.

Malesherbia lactea displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Malesherbia lactea produces small, delicate purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Malesherbia lactea 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.

Malesherbia lactea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Malesherbia lactea tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Malesherbia lactea prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Malesherbia lactea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Malesherbia lactea 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Malesherbia lactea 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.

Malesherbia lactea can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Malesherbia lactea 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.

Malesherbia lactea 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.

Malesherbia lactea can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to malesherbia angustisecta plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Malesherbia lactea 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.

Malesherbia lactea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Malesherbia lactea is native to the La Rioja and San Juan regions of Argentina and the Antofagasta and Atacama regions of Chile. In cooler regions, grow Malesherbia lactea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.