Selago thomii Plant Care
Selago thomii Rolfe
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Selago thomii is a species of plant in the family Scrophulariaceae. It is endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Selago thomii?
Water Selago thomii every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Selago thomii Native To?
What Is the Selago thomii?
Selago thomii (Selago thomii) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Selago genus. Selago thomii is native to the Western Cape, South Africa.
Selago thomii displays a compact, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Selago thomii produces small tubular flowers in clusters of white, pink, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Selago thomii?
Selago thomii 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 Selago thomii Need?
Selago thomii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Selago thomii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Selago thomii Prefer?
Selago thomii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Selago thomii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Selago thomii?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Selago thomii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Selago thomii?
Feed Selago thomii 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 Selago thomii?
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 Selago thomii?
Selago thomii can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to selago aspera plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Selago thomii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Selago thomii, 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 Selago thomii?
Selago thomii 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 Selago thomii Need?
Selago thomii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Selago thomii is native to the Western Cape, South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Selago thomii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Selago thomii 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 Selago genus — compare its care with other Selago species on PlantoScan.
Selago is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae genera and species.
Selago thomii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Selago Species
Other Selago species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Selago thomii Rolfe, family Scrophulariaceae (first published in Fl. Cap. 5(1): 171 (1901)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Selago thomii, 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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