Litsea speciosa Plant Care

Litsea speciosa (Actinodaphne speciosa) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Actinodaphne genus. Litsea speciosa is native to Sri Lanka. Litsea speciosa is also known as Litsea microcarpa.

Litsea speciosa displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Litsea speciosa produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Litsea speciosa every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Litsea speciosa thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Litsea speciosa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Actinodaphne speciosa tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Litsea speciosa prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Litsea speciosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Litsea speciosa every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Litsea speciosa is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Litsea speciosa can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Litsea speciosa while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Litsea speciosa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Litsea speciosa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to salix-leaved actinodaphne plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Litsea speciosa is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Litsea speciosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Litsea speciosa is native to Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Litsea speciosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.