Fan Flower
scaevola aemula
Also known as: ["Half Flower","Narrow-leaf Fan Flower"]
Overview
A low-growing, spreading perennial native to Australia, known for its distinctive fan-shaped flowers and drought tolerance.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Goodeniaceae |
| Genus: | Scaevola |
| Botanical Name: | Scaevola aemula |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or hanging basket in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix like cactus or succulent soil with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching; place in filtered light if outdoors; indoors, ensure proximity to a bright window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid direct midday sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature
Thrives in 65–85°F (18–29°C); prefers warm conditions, sensitive to frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes, protect from frost, ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or well-draining soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone (optional), place in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), indirect light.
Medium
Cactus mix or perlite with peat moss for good drainage.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips, cut just above a leaf node, remove crossing or damaged stems.
Pruning Plan
Encourage bushier growth, remove dead or leggy stems, shape the plant for aesthetic appeal.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune in early morning, remove dead/diseased parts, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil mix.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure even saturation, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Stops growth, may develop root rot due to reduced metabolic activity, leaves may turn purple or black.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, avoid overwatering, use a heat mat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging, use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicScaevola aemula is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested or touched by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicScaevola aemula is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicScaevola aemula is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known adverse physiological effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Scaevola aemula?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Does Scaevola attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its fan-shaped flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Scaevola be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it thrives in containers and hanging baskets, provided it has good drainage.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Goodeniaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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