Sesamothamnus rivae Plant Care

Sesamothamnus rivae (Sesamothamnus rivae) belongs to the Pedaliaceae family within the Sesamothamnus genus. Sesamothamnus rivae is native to eastern Africa.

Sesamothamnus rivae displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Sesamothamnus rivae produces small trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple and white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sesamothamnus rivae 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.

Sesamothamnus rivae thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sesamothamnus rivae tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Sesamothamnus rivae prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Sesamothamnus rivae to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Sesamothamnus rivae 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 soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sesamothamnus rivae 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.

Sesamothamnus rivae 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 Sesamothamnus rivae 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.

Sesamothamnus rivae 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.

Sesamothamnus rivae can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sesamothamnus lugardii plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Sesamothamnus rivae 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.

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