Fijian Holly Plant Care

Fijian Holly (Augusta vitiensis) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Augusta genus. Fijian Holly is native to Fiji. Fijian Holly is also known as Viti Holly.

Fijian Holly displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Fijian Holly produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fijian Holly 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.

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

Augusta vitiensis tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Fijian Holly prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Fijian Holly to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fijian Holly 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 rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fijian Holly is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Fijian Holly can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 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 Fijian Holly 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.

Fijian Holly is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Fijian Holly can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to water lettuce plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Fijian Holly is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.

Fijian Holly grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Fijian Holly is native to Fiji. In cooler regions, grow Fijian Holly as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.