Adolphoduckea maynensis Plant Care

Adolphoduckea maynensis (Adolphoduckea maynensis) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Adolphoduckea genus. Adolphoduckea maynensis is native to tropical South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Northern Brazil.

Adolphoduckea maynensis displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Adolphoduckea maynensis produces small, white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Adolphoduckea maynensis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Adolphoduckea maynensis thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Adolphoduckea maynensis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Adolphoduckea maynensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Adolphoduckea maynensis 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 Adolphoduckea maynensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Adolphoduckea maynensis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Adolphoduckea maynensis is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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

Adolphoduckea maynensis can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Adolphoduckea maynensis 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 tree in one year.

Adolphoduckea maynensis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Adolphoduckea maynensis can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, division.

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Adolphoduckea maynensis is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, 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.

Adolphoduckea maynensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Adolphoduckea maynensis is native to tropical South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Northern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Adolphoduckea maynensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.