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oxera coriacea

Also known as: []

Family: Verbenaceae Genus: Oxera Category: Flowers

Overview

A species of flowering plant in the family Verbenaceae, native to New Caledonia.

Benefits & Perks

["rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Oxera
Botanical Name: Oxera coriacea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container in a humid, sheltered area
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry environments
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 2–3 months; major pruning annually in early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed for shaping.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to dappled light in intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light to prevent scorching; place in filtered light outdoors or near east-facing windows indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips indicate overwatering or poor drainage; wilting despite moist soil suggests root rot.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Avoid direct midday sun; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light.

Watering

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

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but dislikes drafts or extreme heat.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain moderate humidity.

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 or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.

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

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips, cut just above leaf nodes, thin out crowded areas.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or leggy stems.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged growth, shape plant, avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water 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, ensure even moisture distribution, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

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

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

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility, ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, wilting, or leaf drop in response to sudden temperature changes.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid placing near cold drafts or windows in winter.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in excessive heat above 90°F (32°C) without adequate humidity.

Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, ensure good air circulation, water more frequently if heat persists.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, flush soil periodically.

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

Yellow leaves in Oxera coriacea may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Oxera coriacea can be caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage from pests or pathogens, leading to reduced water uptake.

Leaf spots on Oxera coriacea may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential leaf drop if the infection is severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can affect Oxera coriacea due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, causing decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Oxera coriacea is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific precautions are necessary for cat owners.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Oxera coriacea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific precautions are necessary for dog owners.
Humans
Non-toxic

Oxera coriacea is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant has no documented adverse effects on human physiology.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific precautions are necessary for human handling or consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Oxera coriacea native to?

A: It is native to New Caledonia.

Q: What is the family of Oxera coriacea?

A: It belongs to the family Verbenaceae.

Q: Is Oxera coriacea toxic to pets?

A: The toxicity to pets is unknown.

Quick Reference
Family: Verbenaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers"]
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