Photo: Anilton JuniorCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Brazilian Clover Plant Care
Poikilacanthus bahiensis (Nees) Wassh.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Poikilacanthus bahiensis is a unique plant known for its vibrant green clover-like leaves with intricate purple markings. Originally from Brazil, this plant thrives in tropical climates and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its striking foliage and easy care requirements.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Brazilian Clover?
Water Brazilian Clover every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Brazilian Clover?
Brazilian Clover (Poikilacanthus bahiensis) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Poikilacanthus genus. Brazilian Clover is native to Brazil. Brazilian Clover is also known as Bahia Clover.
Brazilian Clover displays a compact, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Brazilian Clover produces showy tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Brazilian Clover?
Poikilacanthus bahiensis 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 Brazilian Clover Need?
Brazilian Clover thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Brazilian Clover in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Brazilian Clover Prefer?
Poikilacanthus bahiensis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Brazilian Clover 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 Brazilian Clover?
Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Brazilian Clover to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Brazilian Clover?
Feed Brazilian Clover 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 Brazilian Clover?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Brazilian Clover?
Brazilian Clover can be propagated through stem cuttings, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to variegated fiddle leaf fig plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Brazilian Clover Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Brazilian Clover, 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 Brazilian Clover?
Brazilian Clover is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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 Brazilian Clover Need?
Brazilian Clover grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Brazilian Clover is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Brazilian Clover as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Brazilian Clover 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 Poikilacanthus genus — compare its care with other Poikilacanthus species on PlantoScan.
Poikilacanthus is part of the Acanthaceae plant family — browse all Acanthaceae genera and species.
Brazilian Clover 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: Poikilacanthus bahiensis (Nees) Wassh., family Acanthaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 48: 17 (1993)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Brazilian Clover, 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.
- Photo: Anilton Junior, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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