Chinese Owl's-clover Plant Care
Triphysaria chinensis (D.Y.Hong) D.Y.Hong
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Triphysaria chinensis, also known as Chinese owl's clover, is a unique plant known for its striking purple flowers and delicate, fern-like leaves. Its distinct appearance makes it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts looking to add a touch of elegance to their garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chinese Owl's-clover?
Water Chinese Owl's-clover every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Chinese Owl's-clover?
Chinese Owl's-clover (Triphysaria chinensis) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Triphysaria genus. Chinese Owl's-clover is native to China. Chinese Owl's-clover is also known as Chinese Triphysaria.
Chinese Owl's-clover displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Chinese Owl's-clover produces small tubular flowers in shades of yellow or orange.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chinese Owl's-clover?
Triphysaria chinensis 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 Chinese Owl's-clover Need?
Chinese Owl's-clover thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chinese Owl's-clover Prefer?
Triphysaria chinensis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Chinese Owl's-clover 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 Chinese Owl's-clover?
Well-draining sandy soil with low to moderate fertility. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Owl's-clover to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chinese Owl's-clover?
Feed Chinese Owl's-clover every 2 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 2 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 Chinese Owl's-clover?
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 Chinese Owl's-clover?
Chinese Owl's-clover can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pink owl's clover plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Chinese Owl's-clover Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chinese Owl's-clover, 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 Chinese Owl's-clover?
Chinese Owl's-clover is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Chinese Owl's-clover 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 Triphysaria genus — compare its care with other Triphysaria species on PlantoScan.
Triphysaria is part of the Orobanchaceae plant family — browse all Orobanchaceae genera and species.
Chinese Owl's-clover 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: Triphysaria chinensis (D.Y.Hong) D.Y.Hong, family Orobanchaceae (first published in Novon 6: 374 (1996)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chinese Owl's-clover, 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.
- 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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