Alchornea subrotunda Plant Care

Alchornea subrotunda (Alchornea subrotunda) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Alchornea genus. Alchornea subrotunda is native to South America, growing in southern Brazil from Minas Gerais to Rio Grande do Sul.

Alchornea subrotunda displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Alchornea subrotunda produces small greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alchornea subrotunda every 7–10 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.

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

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

Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Alchornea subrotunda to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alchornea subrotunda 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 well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alchornea subrotunda is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 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.

Alchornea subrotunda 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 Alchornea subrotunda 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.

Alchornea subrotunda is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alchornea subrotunda can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to heartleaf alchornea plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Alchornea subrotunda is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Alchornea subrotunda grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Alchornea subrotunda is native to South America, growing in southern Brazil from Minas Gerais to Rio Grande do Sul. In cooler regions, grow Alchornea subrotunda as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.