Bolivian Sunflower Plant Care
Philibertia boliviana (Baill.) Goyder
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's stunning velvety silver leaves with unique purple undersides make it stand out in any collection. Originally from the cloud forests of Bolivia, Philibertia boliviana is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and rare availability in cultivation. Its distinct appearance and limited availability make it a prized addition to any avid collector's botanical display.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bolivian Sunflower?
Water Bolivian Sunflower every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Bolivian Sunflower?
Bolivian Sunflower (Philibertia boliviana) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Philibertia genus. Bolivian Sunflower is native to Bolivia.
Bolivian Sunflower displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Bolivian Sunflower produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters of pink, white, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bolivian Sunflower?
Philibertia boliviana 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 Bolivian Sunflower Need?
Bolivian Sunflower thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Bolivian Sunflower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bolivian Sunflower Prefer?
Philibertia boliviana grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Bolivian Sunflower 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 Bolivian Sunflower?
Well-draining sandy loam with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Bolivian Sunflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bolivian Sunflower?
Feed Bolivian Sunflower every 6 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 6 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 Bolivian Sunflower?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide more space for growth. 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 Bolivian Sunflower?
Bolivian Sunflower can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to philibertia castillonii plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bolivian Sunflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Bolivian Sunflower?
Bolivian Sunflower 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bolivian Sunflower Need?
Bolivian Sunflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Bolivian Sunflower is native to Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Bolivian Sunflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Bolivian Sunflower 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 Philibertia genus — compare its care with other Philibertia species on PlantoScan.
Philibertia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Bolivian Sunflower 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: Philibertia boliviana (Baill.) Goyder, family Apocynaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 59: 438 (2004)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Bolivian Sunflower is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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