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Ascarina maheshwarii Plant Care
Ascarina maheshwarii Swamy
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is easily identified by its striking heart-shaped leaves with distinct silver marbling. Originating from the Western Ghats of India, Ascarina maheshwarii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare beauty and unusual foliage pattern. With its delicate appearance and exquisite coloring, this plant is a must-have for any collector looking to add a touch of elegance to their collection.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
60–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Ascarina maheshwarii?
Plant Ascarina maheshwarii in partial to full shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Ascarina maheshwarii Native To?
What Is the Ascarina maheshwarii?
Ascarina maheshwarii (Ascarina maheshwarii) belongs to the Chloranthaceae family within the Ascarina genus. Ascarina maheshwarii is native to the Australian region, the Pacific Islands and Madagascar.
Ascarina maheshwarii displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Ascarina maheshwarii produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ascarina maheshwarii?
Water a young or newly planted Ascarina maheshwarii every 7–14 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Ascarina maheshwarii Need?
Ascarina maheshwarii thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Ascarina maheshwarii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ascarina maheshwarii Prefer?
Ascarina maheshwarii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Ascarina maheshwarii prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ascarina maheshwarii?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Ascarina maheshwarii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ascarina maheshwarii?
Feed Ascarina maheshwarii 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.
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 Ascarina maheshwarii?
Choose a spot with partial to full shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Ascarina maheshwarii is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Ascarina maheshwarii?
Ascarina maheshwarii can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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.
How Do You Prune a Ascarina maheshwarii?
Prune Ascarina maheshwarii 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.
How Do You Care for a Ascarina maheshwarii in Winter?
Ascarina maheshwarii 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 Ascarina maheshwarii?
Ascarina maheshwarii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new zealand jasmine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ascarina maheshwarii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ascarina maheshwarii, 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 Ascarina maheshwarii?
Ascarina maheshwarii is susceptible to aphids, 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 Ascarina maheshwarii Need?
Ascarina maheshwarii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Ascarina maheshwarii is native to the Australian region, the Pacific Islands and Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Ascarina maheshwarii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Ascarina maheshwarii 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 Ascarina genus — compare its care with other Ascarina species on PlantoScan.
Ascarina is part of the Chloranthaceae plant family — browse all Chloranthaceae genera and species.
Ascarina maheshwarii copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ascarina maheshwarii Swamy, family Chloranthaceae (first published in Proc. Natl. Inst. Sci. India 19: 377 (1953)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ascarina maheshwarii, 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.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
