Baby Sun Rose

sutera cordata

Also known as: ["Scaveola","Fan Flower"]

Family: Scrophulariaceae Genus: Sutera Category: Flowers

Overview

A trailing evergreen plant with small, bright blue flowers and fleshy green leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Sutera
Botanical Name: Sutera cordata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: hanging basket or container in a sheltered, partially shaded spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Pet Owners (non Toxic Plants Only)
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry environments, less often in humid climates
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during growing season; light pruning as needed year-round.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense sun to prevent leaf burn; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or soil issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

every 3–5 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant dry out completely.

Soil

well-draining, fertile potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; refresh soil annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain stable temperatures; protect from extreme heat/cold.

Fertilizing

every 2 weeks during growing season, monthly in spring and fall

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust frequency based on growth.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in water or soil.
  4. Maintain moisture and warmth.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional root hormone application.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; change water regularly if using water propagation; maintain humidity for soil propagation.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or trim stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Regular pruning to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove leggy growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead or yellowing leaves; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the main growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., 2 inches wider); ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; promotes fresh soil and root health.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water evenly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution without pooling.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing leaves in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid drafty areas; reduce watering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Sutera cordata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Sutera cordata is often a sign of water stress, either due to underwatering or root issues, which can lead to reduced growth and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Sutera cordata may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and aesthetic damage to the plant.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Sutera cordata due to overwatering or poor drainage, leading to a decline in plant health and eventual death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Sutera cordata is not toxic to cats. Ingestion does not typically cause adverse effects or physiological harm.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Sutera cordata is not toxic to dogs. Ingestion does not typically cause adverse effects or physiological harm.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Sutera cordata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion or contact.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human handling or consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Sutera cordata?

A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days.

Q: Does Sutera cordata require full sun?

A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Q: Can Sutera cordata be grown indoors?

A: Yes, it can be grown indoors with bright, indirect light and good air circulation.

Quick Reference
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 3–5 days during active
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","pet owners (non-toxic plants only)"]
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