Leatherleaf plant Plant Care

Leatherleaf plant (Atemnosiphon coriaceus) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Atemnosiphon genus. Leatherleaf plant is native to Madagascar.

Leatherleaf plant displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Leatherleaf plant produces small, fragrant clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Leatherleaf plant 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.

Leatherleaf plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Atemnosiphon coriaceus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Leatherleaf plant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Leatherleaf plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Leatherleaf plant 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Leatherleaf plant is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Leatherleaf plant can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Leatherleaf plant 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.

Leatherleaf plant 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.

Leatherleaf plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Leatherleaf plant 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.

Leatherleaf plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Leatherleaf plant is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Leatherleaf plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.