Vanuatu Violet
oxera sulfurea
Also known as: ["Vanuatu Violet","Sulfur Oxera"]
Overview
A small evergreen shrub native to Vanuatu, known for its vibrant violet flowers and aromatic foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Oxera |
| Botanical Name: | Oxera sulfurea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: coastal gardens or indoor pots with bright, indirect light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix with organic matter, such as peat-based or cactus mix.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to avoid direct sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to new light conditions; protect from intense midday sun; place in filtered light outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for indoor light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; check moisture before watering.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); cooler temperatures (55–60°F) tolerated at night.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth; protect from drafts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring/summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm (70–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots in 4–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips; cut just above a leaf node; thin out crowded areas.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushier form; shape as needed.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil; trim roots if necessary; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prevents root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Check root boundness; prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
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 until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold), wilting or leaf drop (heat), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow or stop.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse between feedings.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicOxera sulfurea is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant has no documented adverse effects on felines when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicOxera sulfurea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicOxera sulfurea is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant has no documented adverse physiological effects when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Oxera sulfurea suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: It can be grown indoors with adequate light and humidity, but it thrives best in outdoor tropical or subtropical conditions.
Q: How often should Oxera sulfurea be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Oxera sulfurea require pruning?
A: Light pruning after flowering can help maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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