How to Grow Clusiasia - Planting & Caring

By Sharon & Team   /   Shrubs Category   /   2023

Clusiasia, also known as false castor oil or Clusia rosea, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Latin America. The tree grows up to 20 meters (66 ft) tall and has glossy, dark green leaves. The tree produces small, white flowers that turn into orange-red fruits. The fruits are edible and have a sweet, almond-like flavor. Clusiasia is a popular ornamental plant and is used in traditional medicine.

How to Grow Clusiasia - Planting & Caring

Growing Easiness

Is it easy to grow Clusiasia plant? Although it looks like a tree, it is not easy to take care of the Clusiasia. It requires special care, such as specific amounts of water and fertilizer, in order to stay healthy and look good.

Plant Size

How big can it be? Common ly, it is about 40 cm to 1.5 m in height in an apartment. In nature, it can grow up to 3-6 m.

Growth Rate

How fast is the growth? The average height of a Clusiasia is about 18-24 inches, with a maximum height of 36 inches. The plant typically has a spread of 12-18 inches. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including poor soils. The plant is moderately drought tolerant.

Clusiasia Basic Knowledge

Plant Form Shrub
Family Clusiaceae
Origin Tropical regions of the southern hemisphere, America

Lifespan, Perennial or Annuals

How long is the lifespan? The Clusiasia plant is a perennial plant that can live for many years with proper care. The plant is native to the tropical rainforests of South America and can grow to be over 20 feet tall. The plant has large, glossy leaves and produces small, white flowers.

Ideal Temperature

What is the ideal temperature? Sometimes, the leaves of Clusiasia fall off when there is a sudden drop in temperature. Clusiasia plants are tropical, so they prefer warm weather and can't tolerate cold weather very well. The ideal temperature range for Clusiasia plants is 71.6-77 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. So, if you live in an area with cold winters, it's best to keep your Clusiasia plant indoors during the winter months.

Humidity

What about the humidity? The reason why high humidity is required for Clusiasia is because the plant comes from a tropical forest. In its natural habitat, Clusiasia would be constantly surrounded by moist air. Without high humidity, the leaves of the plant will begin to droop and the flowers will lose their vibrant colors. To mimic the natural habitat of Clusiasia, it is important to sprinkle the leaves with water at least once a day, making sure to avoid getting the flowers wet. It is also beneficial to put the pot on a tray of wet pebbles, so that the bottom of the pot is not touching the water. By following these care instructions, you will ensure that your Clusiasia plant thrives.

Light Requirement

What amount of light this plant needed? Unless the plant gets at least four hours of sunlight a day, it will not produce blooms. The light should be bright, but indirect. Clusias need a rest period of 14 to 16 hours of complete darkness each day, during which time they will not produce blooms. If you are looking to add a Clusiasia plant to your home, be sure to give it a bright spot that gets at least four hours of sunlight each day. The light should be bright, but indirect, and the plant will need a rest period of 14 to 16 hours of complete darkness each day. With the proper care, your Clusiasia plant will produce beautiful blooms that are sure to brighten up any space.

Soil Composition

What is good soil for Clusiasia? So, il that has a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is considered ideal for a Clusiasia plant. If you want to prepare the soil on your own, you can take equal parts of peat, humus, turf, and sand. You can also add one part of the soil from under the coniferous forest. Also, don't forget to use drainage.

Watering Time

How much I must water Clusiasia? known as the “Flamingo Flower” or “Bird of Paradise” Clusiasia rosea is a beautiful, flowering houseplant. The Clusiasia is native to tropical regions and requires regular watering, especially during the summer months. Once a week should suffice. However, in winter, when the plant is dormant, watering can be reduced.

Fertilizing and Nutritient

About fertilizer. Since this plant is native to tropical areas, it does best with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. A good rule of thumb is to feed on liquid fertilizer diluted threefold from spring to autumn every month.

Reproduction

How to reproduce Clusiasia? While it can be done by seed, it is difficult to root. The best method is by semilignified apical cuttings in a mixture of peat and perlite with IAA. It is best to do this from July to September and have the lower part heated. After a month, the plant can be potted separately. Clouseau can also be propagated by air layering. However, seeds lose their germination quickly, so they must be sown as soon as possible. When working with the seeds, gloves should be worn.

Bloom

Why Clusiasia won't bloom? The reason for this is that the plant does not like the changes in temperature and light that often occur in an apartment. The best way to get the plant to bloom is to place it in a room where the temperature and light are constant.

Transfer or Repotting

How much I must water Clusiasia? Because the Clusiasia plant is a slow grower, it is best to transfer it to a new pot every 2-3 years, or only if the pot it is currently in is small. This will give the plant the room it needs to continue to grow.

Caring The Clusiasia

How to care the plant? If you want your Clusiasia plant to thrive, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, drafts and sudden temperature changes can be harmful to the plant, so try to keep it in a stable environment. Second, it can be helpful to trim the spring weak shoots and air roots, and to pinch the tops of branches, to encourage better branching. With a little care, your Clusiasia plant will be a beautiful addition to your home.

Pests & Challenges

What is the challenge when caring Clusiasia plant? So, the most often affected Clouseau scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs. In general, the plant is sufficiently resistant to pests and diseases. Sometimes there are spots on the leaves, it is also possible root rot.

Toxic & Poisonous Type

Are Clusiasia poisonous? If you are thinking of adding a Clusiasia plant to your home, you should be aware that it is toxic. The plant contains a chemical called saponin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Symptoms of saponin poisoning include burning in the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, and difficulty swallowing. If you or someone you know has ingested Clusiasia plant saponin, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.