Spatulate Amphidasya Plant Care
Amphidasya spathulata Dwyer
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its striking bright green, spathulate leaves that are densely packed along its stems. Originating from Madagascar, Amphidasya spathulata is a highly sought-after plant among collectors due to its unique foliage and rarity in cultivation. Its compact growth habit and easy care requirements make it a desirable addition to any plant enthusiast's collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spatulate Amphidasya?
Plant Spatulate Amphidasya in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Spatulate Amphidasya?
Spatulate Amphidasya (Amphidasya spathulata) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Amphidasya genus. Spatulate Amphidasya is native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia.
Spatulate Amphidasya displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spatulate Amphidasya produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spatulate Amphidasya?
Water a young or newly planted Spatulate Amphidasya 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Spatulate Amphidasya Need?
Spatulate Amphidasya thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Spatulate Amphidasya in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spatulate Amphidasya Prefer?
Amphidasya spathulata tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Spatulate Amphidasya 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 Spatulate Amphidasya?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Spatulate Amphidasya to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spatulate Amphidasya?
Feed Spatulate Amphidasya 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Spatulate Amphidasya?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Spatulate Amphidasya is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Spatulate Amphidasya?
Spatulate Amphidasya can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.
How Do You Prune a Spatulate Amphidasya?
Prune Spatulate Amphidasya 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.
How Do You Care for a Spatulate Amphidasya in Winter?
Spatulate Amphidasya 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.
How Do You Propagate a Spatulate Amphidasya?
Spatulate Amphidasya can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false aralia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spatulate Amphidasya Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spatulate Amphidasya, 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 Spatulate Amphidasya?
Spatulate Amphidasya 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Spatulate Amphidasya Need?
Spatulate Amphidasya grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Spatulate Amphidasya is native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Spatulate Amphidasya as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Spatulate Amphidasya 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 Amphidasya genus — compare its care with other Amphidasya species on PlantoScan.
Amphidasya is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.
Spatulate Amphidasya thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Amphidasya spathulata Dwyer, family Rubiaceae (first published in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 67: 33 (1980)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spatulate Amphidasya, 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 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
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