Physopsis spicata Plant Care
Physopsis spicata Turcz.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Physopsis spicata is a plant in the Lamiaceae family, first described in 1849 by Nikolai Turczaninow/
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Physopsis spicata?
Water Physopsis spicata every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Physopsis spicata?
Physopsis spicata (Physopsis spicata) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Physopsis genus.
Physopsis spicata displays a compact, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Physopsis spicata produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Physopsis spicata?
Physopsis spicata 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 Physopsis spicata Need?
Physopsis spicata thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Physopsis spicata Prefer?
Physopsis spicata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Physopsis spicata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Physopsis spicata?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Physopsis spicata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Physopsis spicata?
Feed Physopsis spicata 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 Physopsis spicata?
Repot every 1-2 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 Physopsis spicata?
Physopsis spicata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Physopsis spicata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Physopsis spicata, 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 Physopsis spicata?
Physopsis spicata 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Physopsis spicata Need?
Physopsis spicata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Physopsis spicata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Physopsis spicata 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 Physopsis genus — compare its care with other Physopsis species on PlantoScan.
Physopsis is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Physopsis spicata 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: Physopsis spicata Turcz., family Lamiaceae (first published in Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 22(II): 35 (1849)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Physopsis spicata, 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 13a, 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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