Atractocarpus chartaceus Plant Care

Atractocarpus chartaceus (F.Muell.) Puttock

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Atractocarpus chartaceus, commonly known as the narrow-leaved gardenia, is a species of evergreen flowering plant in the coffee family Rubiaceae. It is found in subtropical rainforest of eastern Queensland, Australia, and it is cultivated for its fragrant flowers and colourful fruit.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Atractocarpus chartaceus?

Plant Atractocarpus chartaceus in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Atractocarpus chartaceus Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Atractocarpus chartaceus?

Atractocarpus chartaceus (Atractocarpus chartaceus) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Atractocarpus genus. Atractocarpus chartaceus is native to subtropical rainforest of eastern Queensland, Australia, and.

Atractocarpus chartaceus displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Atractocarpus chartaceus produces small, white, star-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Atractocarpus chartaceus?

Water a young or newly planted Atractocarpus chartaceus 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 Atractocarpus chartaceus Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Atractocarpus chartaceus Prefer?

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

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Atractocarpus chartaceus?

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Atractocarpus chartaceus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Atractocarpus chartaceus?

Feed Atractocarpus chartaceus 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 Atractocarpus chartaceus?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Atractocarpus chartaceus 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Atractocarpus chartaceus?

Atractocarpus chartaceus 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.

How Do You Prune a Atractocarpus chartaceus?

Prune Atractocarpus chartaceus 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 Atractocarpus chartaceus in Winter?

Atractocarpus chartaceus 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 Atractocarpus chartaceus?

Atractocarpus chartaceus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to atractocarpus benthamianus plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Atractocarpus chartaceus Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Atractocarpus chartaceus, 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 Atractocarpus chartaceus?

Atractocarpus chartaceus 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Atractocarpus chartaceus Need?

Atractocarpus chartaceus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Atractocarpus chartaceus is native to subtropical rainforest of eastern Queensland, Australia, and. In cooler regions, grow Atractocarpus chartaceus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Atractocarpus chartaceus 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 Atractocarpus genus — compare its care with other Atractocarpus species on PlantoScan.

Atractocarpus is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.

Atractocarpus chartaceus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Atractocarpus Species

Other Atractocarpus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Atractocarpus chartaceus (F.Muell.) Puttock, family Rubiaceae (first published in Austral. Syst. Bot. 12: 282 (1999)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Atractocarpus chartaceus, 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 13b, 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.

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