Spigelia genuflexa Plant Care
Spigelia genuflexa Popovkin & Struwe
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Spigelia genuflexa is a species of annual herb of the family Loganiaceae from Bahia state, Brazil, which was described in 2011. It is unusual in that the stems bend down after flowering to deposit the seeds in the soil (geocarpy).
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spigelia genuflexa?
Water Spigelia genuflexa every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Spigelia genuflexa?
Spigelia genuflexa (Spigelia genuflexa) belongs to the Loganiaceae family within the Spigelia genus.
Spigelia genuflexa displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Spigelia genuflexa produces tubular red or pink flowers with yellow throats.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spigelia genuflexa?
Spigelia genuflexa 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 Spigelia genuflexa Need?
Spigelia genuflexa thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Spigelia genuflexa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–1,000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spigelia genuflexa Prefer?
Spigelia genuflexa grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Spigelia genuflexa 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 Spigelia genuflexa?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Spigelia genuflexa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spigelia genuflexa?
Feed Spigelia genuflexa 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 Spigelia genuflexa?
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 Spigelia genuflexa?
Spigelia genuflexa can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spigelia alabamensis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spigelia genuflexa Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Spigelia genuflexa?
Spigelia genuflexa 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 Spigelia genuflexa Need?
Spigelia genuflexa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Spigelia genuflexa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Spigelia genuflexa 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 Spigelia genus — compare its care with other Spigelia species on PlantoScan.
Spigelia is part of the Loganiaceae plant family — browse all Loganiaceae genera and species.
Spigelia genuflexa copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Spigelia genuflexa Popovkin & Struwe, family Loganiaceae (first published in PhytoKeys 6: 49 (2011)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Spigelia genuflexa is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. 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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