Lippia

phyla lanceolata

Also known as: ["Kiss-and-tell","mosquito plant","trumpet plant","lippia"]

Family: Verbenaceae Genus: Phyla Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A low-growing, spreading perennial herb native to North and South America, known for its aromatic foliage and ability to thrive in various conditions.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Phyla
Botanical Name: Phyla lanceolata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in temperate to subtropical regions
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates some shade but may become leggy in low light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching. For indoor placement, provide bright indirect light or filtered sunlight.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; avoid sudden exposure to intense sun; provide shade during extreme heat.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and growth stage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

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

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers mild temperatures year-round.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings root easily in warm, humid conditions.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Keep warm and humid.

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

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix or perlite and peat moss mix.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown stems.

Tools

Clean pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; shape as desired; dispose of clippings properly.

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 crowded; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water until it drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback in severe cases.

Solution: Protect from frost; move potted plants indoors during cold spells; use mulch to insulate roots.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

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

Wilting in Phyla lanceolata can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Phyla lanceolata may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential leaf drop.

Rotting in Phyla lanceolata is often associated with root or stem decay caused by excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, which can lead to plant death if not addressed.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Phyla lanceolata is not considered toxic to cats. It poses no known health risks to felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are needed for cats interacting with this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Phyla lanceolata is not considered toxic to dogs. It poses no known health risks to canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are needed for dogs interacting with this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Phyla lanceolata is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse effects on human health.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are needed for human contact or consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Phyla lanceolata invasive?

A: It can spread aggressively in some conditions but is generally manageable with proper care.

Q: Does it require much water?

A: No, it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Verbenaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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