Maile Plant Care
Alyxia bracteolosa Rich ex A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Alyxia bracteolosa, also known as the "Chain Fruit" plant, is distinctive for its glossy dark green leaves and tiny white flowers that form in clusters resembling miniature chains. This plant is native to Australia and thrives in tropical climates, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Maile?
Water Maile every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Maile Native To?
What Is the Maile?
Maile (Alyxia bracteolosa) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Alyxia genus. Maile is native to the Solomon Islands and south-western Pacific. Maile is also known as Native Jasmine.
Maile displays a twining vine or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Maile produces small, fragrant white or yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Maile?
Alyxia bracteolosa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Maile Need?
Maile thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Maile in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Maile Prefer?
Alyxia bracteolosa grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Maile prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Maile?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Maile to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Maile?
Feed Maile every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Maile?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Maile?
Maile can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese perfume plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Maile Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Maile, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Maile?
Maile is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Maile Need?
Maile grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Maile is native to the Solomon Islands and south-western Pacific. In cooler regions, grow Maile as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Maile is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Alyxia genus (family Apocynaceae) — search all Alyxia species in the plant lookup.
Maile thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Alyxia Species
Other Alyxia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Alyxia bracteolosa Rich ex A.Gray, family Apocynaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 5: 332 (1862)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Maile, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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