Lippia

phyla scaberrima

Also known as: ["Lippia scaberrima","Rondebosch tea"]

Family: Verbenaceae Genus: Phyla Category: Shrubs

Overview

A low-growing, spreading perennial shrub native to South Africa, known for its aromatic foliage and potential medicinal uses.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in warm, sheltered area
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • 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 waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth at a time to avoid shock.
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 midday sun, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger 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, sandy loam with some organic matter

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

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoid prolonged exposure to extremes.

Avoid placing near drafty windows; use a humidifier in dry, warm conditions; shield from heat sources.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem, cut below node, remove lower leaves, place in medium, maintain moisture.

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

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light with protection from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional changes.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), container, water or soil 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, trim leggy stems, remove yellow or dead leaves.

Pruning Plan

Regular pruning to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead/damaged growth.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sanitize tools, prune during active growth, remove dead growth, shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the main growing season 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 outgrow the pot; beneficial for fresh soil and root health.

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 water penetrates deeply, allow excess 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 for fertility, ensure proper aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, or bud drop in response to sudden temperature changes.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced evaporation.

Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, reduce watering.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, dehydration, and reduced vigor due to excessive heat.

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

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.

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

Yellowing leaves in Phyla scaberrima can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt nutrient uptake.

Wilting in Phyla scaberrima is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage from pests or diseases.

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

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Phyla scaberrima if the soil is consistently waterlogged, leading to the decay of roots and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Phyla scaberrima is not known to be toxic to cats under normal circumstances.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for cats interacting with this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Phyla scaberrima is not known to be toxic to dogs under normal circumstances.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs interacting with this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Phyla scaberrima is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans under normal circumstances.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or consumption of this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Phyla scaberrima toxic to pets?

A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.

Q: How often should Phyla scaberrima be watered?

A: It is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering, especially once established.

Q: Does Phyla scaberrima attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers.

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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