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oxera brevicalyx

Also known as: []

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Oxera Category: Flowers

Overview

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

Benefits & Perks

["rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Oxera
Botanical Name: Oxera brevicalyx

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: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to morning sun in winter if possible.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light to avoid scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid direct midday sun; provide dappled light if outdoors.

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 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; refresh soil every 2 years.

Temperature

Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); cooler temperatures (55–60°F or 13–15°C) at night; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Use a thermometer to monitor; avoid placing near heating/cooling vents; maintain stable conditions.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; 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 a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

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

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light.

Medium

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

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

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

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

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

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushier form; shape as needed to maintain aesthetic appeal.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; 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 health.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; 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, ensuring even saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

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.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, wilting, or bud drop in cold; leaf scorch or stunted growth in heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid placing near drafty windows or doors.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot 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 brevicalyx may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Oxera brevicalyx 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 brevicalyx may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting in Oxera brevicalyx is often associated with root or stem rot caused by excessive moisture and fungal pathogens, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Oxera brevicalyx is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

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

Oxera brevicalyx is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

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

Oxera brevicalyx is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It has no reported adverse effects on human physiology.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Oxera brevicalyx native to?

A: It is native to New Caledonia.

Q: What is the family of Oxera brevicalyx?

A: It belongs to the family Lamiaceae.

Q: Is Oxera brevicalyx toxic to pets?

A: The toxicity to pets is unknown.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
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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