Baby Sun Rose
sutera grandiflora
Also known as: ["Scaveola grandiflora","Fan Flower"]
Overview
A trailing evergreen plant with small, rounded leaves and large, fan-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus: | Sutera |
| Botanical Name: | Sutera grandiflora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: hanging baskets or containers in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates, rarely required in humid 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: Every 2–3 months during growing season; light pruning can be done as needed.
- 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 plants gradually to direct light; protect from intense midday sun; move indoors during extreme heat or cold.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near east-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 3–5 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, fertile potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix designed for succulents or cacti; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Avoid drafty areas; maintain consistent room temperature; use a thermometer to monitor conditions.
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 rate.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; trim stems just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune during active growth, remove dead/damaged parts, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; benefits from fresh soil and root pruning.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, prune if needed, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain freely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
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 coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, yellowing, or stunted growth; buds may fail to open in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; use a space heater if necessary; cover with a frost cloth in cold climates.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may slow.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during active growth, avoid winter feeding, flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSutera grandiflora is not toxic to cats. Ingestion of any part of the plant is unlikely to cause adverse health effects.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSutera grandiflora is not toxic to dogs. Ingestion of any part of the plant is unlikely to cause adverse health effects.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSutera grandiflora is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known significant toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Sutera grandiflora?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7-10 days, depending on conditions.
Q: Does Sutera grandiflora need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Q: Can Sutera grandiflora 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 |
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