Ericoid Spatalla Plant Care

Spatalla ericoides E.Phillips

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Spatalla ericoides the Erica-leaved spoon is a flower-bearing shrub that belongs to the genus Spatalla and forms part of the fynbos. The plant is endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa where it occurs on the Agulhas Plain near Pearly Beach, Hagelkraal and Klein Hagelkraal.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Ericoid Spatalla?

Plant Ericoid Spatalla in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Ericoid Spatalla Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Ericoid Spatalla?

Ericoid Spatalla (Spatalla ericoides) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Spatalla genus. Ericoid Spatalla is native to the Western Cape of South Africa.

Ericoid Spatalla displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Ericoid Spatalla produces showy clusters of colorful, tubular flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Ericoid Spatalla?

Water a young or newly planted Ericoid Spatalla 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Ericoid Spatalla Need?

Ericoid Spatalla thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ericoid Spatalla Prefer?

Spatalla ericoides tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Ericoid Spatalla prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ericoid Spatalla?

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Ericoid Spatalla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Ericoid Spatalla?

Feed Ericoid Spatalla 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Ericoid Spatalla?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ericoid Spatalla is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Ericoid Spatalla?

Ericoid Spatalla can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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.

How Do You Prune a Ericoid Spatalla?

Prune Ericoid Spatalla 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.

How Do You Care for a Ericoid Spatalla in Winter?

Ericoid Spatalla is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Ericoid Spatalla?

Ericoid Spatalla can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spatalla argentea plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Ericoid Spatalla Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Ericoid Spatalla, 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 Ericoid Spatalla?

Ericoid Spatalla is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Ericoid Spatalla Need?

Ericoid Spatalla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ericoid Spatalla is native to the Western Cape of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Ericoid Spatalla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Ericoid Spatalla 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 Spatalla genus — compare its care with other Spatalla species on PlantoScan.

Spatalla is part of the Proteaceae plant family — browse all Proteaceae genera and species.

Ericoid Spatalla thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Spatalla Species

Other Spatalla species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Spatalla ericoides E.Phillips, family Proteaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1910: 334 (1910)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ericoid Spatalla, 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 12a, 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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