Rhaphiodon echinus Plant Care

Rhaphiodon echinus (Rhaphiodon echinus) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Rhaphiodon genus. Rhaphiodon echinus is native to eastern Brazil.

Rhaphiodon echinus displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Rhaphiodon echinus produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rhaphiodon echinus every 7–14 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.

Rhaphiodon echinus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rhaphiodon echinus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Rhaphiodon echinus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Rhaphiodon echinus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rhaphiodon echinus 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 loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rhaphiodon echinus 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.

Rhaphiodon echinus can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 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 Rhaphiodon echinus 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.

Rhaphiodon echinus 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.

Rhaphiodon echinus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Rhaphiodon echinus 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.

Rhaphiodon echinus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Rhaphiodon echinus is native to eastern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Rhaphiodon echinus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.