Cat Whiskers Lavender Orthosiphon Java Tea Live Plant Starter Size 4 Inch Pot

Cat Whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus syn stamineus) is a member of the mint family and is native to East Asia. The plant is a small to medium sized, leafy shrub, with an open habit, reaching mature heights of 2 to 3 feet. It produces spikes of unusual, nectar rich lavender flower with their funny whisker-like stamens. It is and interesting and versatile plant that works well as a mass planting, as part of mixed perennial beds, accent or as a potted plant, and make great backgrounds and borders for Butterfly, Hummingbird and other wildlife habitat gardens.


The unique flowers appear on new growth as soon as the night time temps begin to warm and the days get a bit longer and continue in repeating cycles throughout the warm season.

Cat Whiskers is easy to grow, and quick to establish, and requires little maintenance aside from regular pruning and feeding. Plant in fertile, well-draining soil or media in a location that receives 4 to 6 hours of bright, direct, full spectrum light. Water as needed to mainatin consistent soil moisture. Feed a good-quality, bloom-boosting fertilizer in the Spring. Prune after flowering to encourage re-blooming and prevent legginess.

This species is not well suited for indoor growing and can be difficult to successfully overwinter as it requires high level of light, warm temperatures with a day/night differential, and high humidity. We recommend bringing the plant indoors to protect for cold for the briefest time possible and to relocate outdoors as soon as the danger of frost or freezing has passed.