Atherandra acutifolia Plant Care

Atherandra acutifolia (Atherandra acutifolia) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Atherandra genus.

Atherandra acutifolia displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Atherandra acutifolia produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Atherandra acutifolia 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.

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

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

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

Feed Atherandra acutifolia 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, rich loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Atherandra acutifolia 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.

Atherandra acutifolia can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 4 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.

Prune Atherandra acutifolia 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.

Atherandra acutifolia 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.

Atherandra acutifolia can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Atherandra acutifolia is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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.

Atherandra acutifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Atherandra acutifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.