Lavender Throatwort Plant Care

Lavender Throatwort (Microchirita lavandulacea) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Microchirita genus. Lavender Throatwort is native to southern Vietnam. Lavender Throatwort is also known as Purple Velvet.

Lavender Throatwort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lavender Throatwort produces tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lavender Throatwort 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.

Lavender Throatwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Lavender Throatwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Microchirita lavandulacea tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Lavender Throatwort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Lavender Throatwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lavender Throatwort 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 light and well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lavender Throatwort is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Lavender Throatwort can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 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 Lavender Throatwort 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.

Lavender Throatwort 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.

Lavender Throatwort can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to eyeball plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Lavender Throatwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.

Lavender Throatwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Lavender Throatwort is native to southern Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Lavender Throatwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.