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Native to Central America and Mexico, bat face cuphea plant (Cuphea llavea) is named for its interesting little bat-faced blooms of deep purple and bright red. The dense, bright green foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the masses of colorful, nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Bat face cuphea reaches mature heights of 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm.) with a spread of 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm.). Read on for helpful information about growing a bat faced cuphea flower.
Cuphea is perennial only in the warm climates of USDA plant hardiness zone 10 and above, but you can grow the plant as an annual if you live in a cooler climate. If you have a bright window, you may be able to bring the plant indoors for the winter.
The bat faced cuphea (Cuphea llavea) is a beautiful tropical flowering plant known for its unique flowers that resemble little bats With its vivid purple and red blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, it’s easy to see why this plant has become so popular But like any plant, knowing how to properly care for it is key to helping it thrive. One of the most important aspects of caring for a bat faced cuphea is understanding its water needs. So how much water does this exotic plant need?
The Bat Faced Cuphea Loves Water
Native to the humid, tropical regions of Mexico and Central America, the bat faced cuphea is used to having plenty of moisture. It thrives in humid environments and is considered a water-loving plant. Its natural habitat receives ample rainfall and humidity, allowing the soil to stay consistently moist.
The bat faced cuphea prefers similar growing conditions and does best when provided with regular watering The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not saturated. Allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings can cause stress and potentially damage the plant.
Water 1-2 Times Per Week
Most bat faced cuphea plants need to be watered about 1-2 times per week on average to maintain moist soil. However, the exact frequency can vary depending on factors like the plant’s size, container size, time of year, and climate
In general, aim to water whenever the top inch or two of soil becomes dry. Check by sticking your finger into the soil to gauge the moisture level. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water. During hot and dry weather, you may need to increase watering to 2-3 times per week. In cooler weather when growth slows, you can cut back to once a week.
For plants in small containers, you’ll likely need to water more often as they dry out quicker. Larger plants in bigger pots don’t need as frequent watering. Newly planted cupheas require more frequent watering until established.
Water Thoroughly Each Time
When you do water your bat faced cuphea, water thoroughly so the entire root zone gets hydrated. Water until you see it draining from the bottom of the container. This encourages deep roots and prevents salts from accumulating in the soil.
Avoid just sprinkling the soil surface, as this leads to shallow roots. Make sure to get the soil moist at least 4-6 inches deep each time you irrigate.
Tips for Watering Bat Faced Cuphea
- Water when top 1-2 inches of soil become dry
- Aim for 1-2 thorough waterings per week on average
- Increase frequency during hot, dry weather
- Decrease frequency in cooler weather
- Small containers need more frequent watering
- Check soil moisture before watering – don’t water on schedule
Signs of Underwatering
An underwatered bat faced cuphea will show signs of drought stress. Look for wilting, drooping, or shriveled leaves and flowers. Growth will slow and the plant can become stunted. Prolonged underwatering can lead to yellowing leaves, early leaf drop, branch dieback, and even plant death.
Signs of Overwatering
While they love frequent hydration, bat faced cupheas are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Signs of overwatering include mushy, black roots, yellowing lower leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop. Reduce watering frequency if you notice these issues.
Getting the watering frequency and volume right is crucial for growing healthy, vigorous bat faced cuphea plants. Aim to maintain evenly moist (but not soggy) soil by watering 1-2 times per week. This beautiful tropical plant will reward you with a long season of color when its moisture needs are met.
Growing a Bat Face Cuphea Flower
The easiest way to grow cuphea flowers is to purchase bedding plants at a nursery or garden center. Otherwise, start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last hard frost in your area. Plant bat face cuphea in full sunlight and the plant will reward you with color throughout the season. However, if your climate is extremely hot, a little afternoon shade wont hurt. The soil should be well drained. Dig in a few inches (7.5 cm.) of manure or compost before planting to accommodate cupheas need for rich organic matter.
Bat Face Plant Care
Caring for bat faced plants isnt complicated. Water the plant regularly until the roots are well established. At that point, the plant will do fine with less water and will tolerate occasional periods of drought. Feed cuphea monthly during the growing season, using a high quality, all-purpose fertilizer. Alternatively, provide a slow-release fertilizer in spring. Pinch the stem tips when the plants are 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm.) tall to create a compact, bushy plant. If you live in a borderline climate of USDA zone 8 or 9, you may be able to overwinter bat face plant by protecting the roots with a layer of mulch – such as dry, chopped leaves or bark chips. The plant may die down, but with protection, it should rebound when temperatures rise in spring.
How To: Cuphea Habits and Care – Pollinators Month Special
FAQ
How often do you water a Cuphea plant?
How do you care for bat faced Cuphea?
How to keep Cuphea blooming?
How do you water a bat plant?
How do you grow a bat-faced Cuphea?
Grow bat-faced cuphea in full sun in the ground or in containers. Provide regular moisture, although plants will tolerate dry conditions occasionally. Fertilize plants in containers several times during the summer months. Pinch back or shear if plants become too leggy later in the growing season.
How much sun does a bat-faced Cuphea need?
Despite what its name suggests, bat-faced cuphea prefers full sun to be at its best. Outdoor plants may require partial shade in desert regions. Indoor plants will require at least four hours of full sun daily. USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 are best for this plant, remaining evergreen in temperatures just under 30° degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you care for a bat faced Cuphea?
For best results, provide plants with: Organic soil. Full sun or part shade, depending on where you live. Regular water. All-purpose fertilizer. Bat-faced cuphea is fairly low maintenance. You can perform some light tip pruning or pinching if plants become too leggy.
How do you care for a bat faced plant?
Dig in a few inches (7.5 cm.) of manure or compost before planting to accommodate cuphea’s need for rich organic matter. Caring for bat faced plants isn’t complicated. Water the plant regularly until the roots are well established. At that point, the plant will do fine with less water and will tolerate occasional periods of drought.