Water
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering during winter months when the plant's growth slows down.
Also known as Blue Rat's-Tail · Dark Blue Snakeweed · Nettleleaf Vervain
Nettleleaf Velvetberry (Stachytarpheta urticifolia) is a fast-growing shrub known for its distinctive foliage and vibrant blue flowers, thriving in tropical and subtropic
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid soggy conditions.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-27°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor, Indoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed monthly during growing season with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering during winter months when the plant's growth slows down.
Prune in early spring to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pinch back the tips of new shoots to promote a more compact and floriferous habit.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep them moist and warm until roots develop.
Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one to accommodate root growth.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Nettleleaf Velvetberry (Stachytarpheta urticifolia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Stachytarpheta |
| Species | Stachytarpheta urticifolia |
Similar in genus Stachytarpheta
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data