Astroloma epacridis Plant Care
Astroloma epacridis (DC.) Druce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Styphelia epacridis is a flowering plant in the family Ericaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a straggling shrub with lance-shaped or linear leaves with a sharp point on the tip, and red, tube-shaped flowers arranged singly in leaf axils.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Astroloma epacridis?
Plant Astroloma epacridis in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Astroloma epacridis Native To?
What Is the Astroloma epacridis?
Astroloma epacridis (Astroloma epacridis) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Astroloma genus. Astroloma epacridis is native to the south-west of Western Australia.
Astroloma epacridis displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Astroloma epacridis produces bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Astroloma epacridis?
Water a young or newly planted Astroloma epacridis 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 Astroloma epacridis Need?
Astroloma epacridis thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Astroloma epacridis Prefer?
Astroloma epacridis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Astroloma epacridis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Astroloma epacridis?
Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Astroloma epacridis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Astroloma epacridis?
Feed Astroloma epacridis 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 Astroloma epacridis?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Astroloma epacridis is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
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 Astroloma epacridis?
Astroloma epacridis can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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 Astroloma epacridis?
Prune Astroloma epacridis 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 Astroloma epacridis in Winter?
Astroloma epacridis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). 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 Astroloma epacridis?
Astroloma epacridis can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dwarf brush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Astroloma epacridis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Astroloma epacridis, 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 Astroloma epacridis?
Astroloma epacridis is susceptible to spider mites, 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 Astroloma epacridis Need?
Astroloma epacridis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Astroloma epacridis is native to the south-west of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Astroloma epacridis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Astroloma epacridis 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 Astroloma genus — compare its care with other Astroloma species on PlantoScan.
Astroloma is part of the Ericaceae plant family — browse all Ericaceae genera and species.
Astroloma epacridis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Astroloma Species
Other Astroloma species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Astroloma epacridis (DC.) Druce, family Ericaceae (first published in Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 4: 607 (1916 publ. 1917)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Astroloma epacridis, 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 12a, 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.
