Callaeum antifebrile Plant Care
Callaeum antifebrile (Griseb.) D.M.Johnson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Callaeum antifebrile is a South American jungle vine of the family Malpighiaceae which occurs predominantly throughout the Upper Amazon basin, and less frequently along the Lower Amazon. Occasionally a component in ayahuasca decoctions, it is used as a folk medicine in some parts of Brazil, often as an antifebrile (anti-fever) remedy.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Callaeum antifebrile?
Plant Callaeum antifebrile 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.
What Is the Callaeum antifebrile?
Callaeum antifebrile (Callaeum antifebrile) belongs to the Malpighiaceae family within the Callaeum genus.
Callaeum antifebrile displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Callaeum antifebrile produces small, colorful flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Callaeum antifebrile?
Water a young or newly planted Callaeum antifebrile 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 Callaeum antifebrile Need?
Callaeum antifebrile thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Callaeum antifebrile in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Callaeum antifebrile Prefer?
Callaeum antifebrile tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Callaeum antifebrile 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 Callaeum antifebrile?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Callaeum antifebrile to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Callaeum antifebrile?
Feed Callaeum antifebrile 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 Callaeum antifebrile?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Callaeum antifebrile 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 Callaeum antifebrile?
Callaeum antifebrile 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.
How Do You Prune a Callaeum antifebrile?
Prune Callaeum antifebrile 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 Callaeum antifebrile in Winter?
Callaeum antifebrile 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 Callaeum antifebrile?
Callaeum antifebrile can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering.
Is the Callaeum antifebrile Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Callaeum antifebrile, 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 Callaeum antifebrile?
Callaeum antifebrile is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Callaeum antifebrile Need?
Callaeum antifebrile grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Callaeum antifebrile as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Callaeum antifebrile 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 Callaeum genus — compare its care with other Callaeum species on PlantoScan.
Callaeum is part of the Malpighiaceae plant family — browse all Malpighiaceae genera and species.
Callaeum antifebrile thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Callaeum antifebrile (Griseb.) D.M.Johnson, family Malpighiaceae (first published in Syst. Bot. 11(2): 349. 1986) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Callaeum antifebrile, 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.
