Tribulus platypterus Plant Care
Tribulus platypterus Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tribulus platypterus, the cork hopbush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Zygophyllaceae, which is endemic to the northwest of Western Australia. It is closely related to Tribulus suberosus.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun
65–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Tribulus platypterus?
Water Tribulus platypterus every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tribulus platypterus Native To?
What Is the Tribulus platypterus?
Tribulus platypterus (Tribulus platypterus) belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family within the Tribulus genus. Tribulus platypterus is native to the northwest of Western Australia.
Tribulus platypterus displays a low mat-forming herb growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Tribulus platypterus produces small yellow flowers with five petals.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tribulus platypterus?
Tribulus platypterus 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 Tribulus platypterus Need?
Tribulus platypterus thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tribulus platypterus Prefer?
Tribulus platypterus grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Tribulus platypterus prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tribulus platypterus?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with gravel for good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Tribulus platypterus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tribulus platypterus?
Feed Tribulus platypterus every 8 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 8 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 Tribulus platypterus?
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 Tribulus platypterus?
Tribulus platypterus can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to west indian caltrop plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tribulus platypterus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tribulus platypterus, 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 Tribulus platypterus?
Tribulus platypterus 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 Tribulus platypterus Need?
Tribulus platypterus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Tribulus platypterus is native to the northwest of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Tribulus platypterus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Tribulus platypterus 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 Tribulus genus — compare its care with other Tribulus species on PlantoScan.
Tribulus is part of the Zygophyllaceae plant family — browse all Zygophyllaceae genera and species.
Tribulus platypterus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tribulus platypterus Benth., family Zygophyllaceae (first published in Fl. Austral. 1: 289 (1863)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tribulus platypterus, 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 13b, 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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