Anthostema madagascariense Plant Care

Anthostema madagascariense (Anthostema madagascariense) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Anthostema genus. Anthostema madagascariense is native to Madagascar, the Comoro Islands and Mayotte.

Anthostema madagascariense displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Anthostema madagascariense produces small clusters of white, pink, or red flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Anthostema madagascariense 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.

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

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

Well-draining loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Anthostema madagascariense to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Anthostema madagascariense 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 loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Anthostema madagascariense is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Anthostema madagascariense can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Anthostema madagascariense 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.

Anthostema madagascariense is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Anthostema madagascariense can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Anthostema madagascariense is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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.

Anthostema madagascariense grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Anthostema madagascariense is native to Madagascar, the Comoro Islands and Mayotte. In cooler regions, grow Anthostema madagascariense as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.