Blepharistemma membranifolium Plant Care
Blepharistemma membranifolium (Miq.) Ding Hou
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Blepharistemma membranifolium is a species of plant in the family Rhizophoraceae, and the only species of the genus Blepharistemma. The tree typically grows in a wet tropical biome and is native to southwest India.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Blepharistemma membranifolium?
Plant Blepharistemma membranifolium in partial shade to full shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Blepharistemma membranifolium Native To?
What Is the Blepharistemma membranifolium?
Blepharistemma membranifolium (Blepharistemma membranifolium) belongs to the Rhizophoraceae family within the Blepharistemma genus. Blepharistemma membranifolium is native to southwest India.
Blepharistemma membranifolium displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Blepharistemma membranifolium produces small, white clustered flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Blepharistemma membranifolium?
Water a young or newly planted Blepharistemma membranifolium 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 Blepharistemma membranifolium Need?
Blepharistemma membranifolium thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Blepharistemma membranifolium in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Blepharistemma membranifolium Prefer?
Blepharistemma membranifolium tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Blepharistemma membranifolium prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Blepharistemma membranifolium?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Blepharistemma membranifolium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Blepharistemma membranifolium?
Feed Blepharistemma membranifolium 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 Blepharistemma membranifolium?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Blepharistemma membranifolium 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Blepharistemma membranifolium?
Blepharistemma membranifolium can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Blepharistemma membranifolium?
Prune Blepharistemma membranifolium 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 Blepharistemma membranifolium in Winter?
Blepharistemma membranifolium 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 Blepharistemma membranifolium?
Blepharistemma membranifolium can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Blepharistemma membranifolium Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Blepharistemma membranifolium, 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 Blepharistemma membranifolium?
Blepharistemma membranifolium 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 Blepharistemma membranifolium Need?
Blepharistemma membranifolium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Blepharistemma membranifolium is native to southwest India. In cooler regions, grow Blepharistemma membranifolium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Blepharistemma membranifolium 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 Blepharistemma genus — compare its care with other Blepharistemma species on PlantoScan.
Blepharistemma is part of the Rhizophoraceae plant family — browse all Rhizophoraceae genera and species.
Blepharistemma membranifolium copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Blepharistemma membranifolium (Miq.) Ding Hou, family Rhizophoraceae (first published in Fl. Males. 5: 489 (1958)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Blepharistemma membranifolium, 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 13a, 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.
