Septotheca tessmannii Plant Care

Septotheca tessmannii (Septotheca tessmannii) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Septotheca genus. Septotheca tessmannii is native to Peru, Colombia and Brazil.

Septotheca tessmannii displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Septotheca tessmannii produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Septotheca tessmannii every 7–10 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.

Septotheca tessmannii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Septotheca tessmannii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Septotheca tessmannii prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Loamy, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Septotheca tessmannii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Septotheca tessmannii 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 loamy, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Septotheca tessmannii is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Septotheca tessmannii can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Septotheca tessmannii 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.

Septotheca tessmannii 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.

Septotheca tessmannii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Septotheca tessmannii 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.

Septotheca tessmannii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Septotheca tessmannii is native to Peru, Colombia and Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Septotheca tessmannii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.