Xerochrysum bicolor Plant Care
Xerochrysum bicolor (Lindl.) R.J.Bayer
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Xerochrysum bicolor is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to Tasmania, where it is found in wetter habitats near the coast. It was originally described by Lindley in 1835 as Helichrysum bicolor, before gaining its current name in 2001.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Xerochrysum bicolor?
Water Xerochrysum bicolor 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 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Xerochrysum bicolor Native To?
What Is the Xerochrysum bicolor?
Xerochrysum bicolor (Xerochrysum bicolor) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Xerochrysum genus. Xerochrysum bicolor is native to Tasmania.
Xerochrysum bicolor displays a compact, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Xerochrysum bicolor produces bright, daisy-like flowers in various colors like yellow, orange, and pink.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Xerochrysum bicolor?
Xerochrysum bicolor 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 Xerochrysum bicolor Need?
Xerochrysum bicolor thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Xerochrysum bicolor Prefer?
Xerochrysum bicolor grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Xerochrysum bicolor prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Xerochrysum bicolor?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Xerochrysum bicolor to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Xerochrysum bicolor?
Feed Xerochrysum bicolor 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 Xerochrysum bicolor?
Repot every 2-3 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 Xerochrysum bicolor?
Xerochrysum bicolor can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to strawflower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Xerochrysum bicolor Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Xerochrysum bicolor, 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 Xerochrysum bicolor?
Xerochrysum bicolor 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Xerochrysum bicolor Need?
Xerochrysum bicolor grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Xerochrysum bicolor is native to Tasmania. In cooler regions, grow Xerochrysum bicolor as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Xerochrysum bicolor 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 Xerochrysum genus (family Asteraceae) — search all Xerochrysum species in the plant lookup.
Xerochrysum bicolor 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: Xerochrysum bicolor (Lindl.) R.J.Bayer, family Asteraceae (first published in Kew Bull. 56(4): 1014 (2001)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Xerochrysum bicolor, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Xerochrysum bicolor Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species