Calocrater preussii Plant Care
Calocrater preussii K.Schum.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature lies in its striking variegated leaves, showcasing splashes of white and green. Hailing from the tropical regions of West Africa, Calocrater preussii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare beauty and ability to thrive in humid climates.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Calocrater preussii?
Plant Calocrater preussii in bright indirect light (USDA zones 11a–12b) 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. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Calocrater preussii Native To?
What Is the Calocrater preussii?
Calocrater preussii (Calocrater preussii) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Calocrater genus. Calocrater preussii is native to central Africa.
Calocrater preussii displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Calocrater preussii produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Calocrater preussii?
Water a young or newly planted Calocrater preussii 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 Calocrater preussii Need?
Calocrater preussii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Calocrater preussii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Calocrater preussii Prefer?
Calocrater preussii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Calocrater preussii 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 Calocrater preussii?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Calocrater preussii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Calocrater preussii?
Feed Calocrater preussii 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 Calocrater preussii?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Calocrater preussii 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Calocrater preussii?
Calocrater preussii can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 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 Calocrater preussii?
Prune Calocrater preussii 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 Calocrater preussii in Winter?
Calocrater preussii 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.
How Do You Propagate a Calocrater preussii?
Calocrater preussii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Calocrater preussii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Calocrater preussii?
Calocrater preussii 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 Calocrater preussii Need?
Calocrater preussii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Calocrater preussii is native to central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Calocrater preussii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Calocrater preussii 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 Calocrater genus — compare its care with other Calocrater species on PlantoScan.
Calocrater is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Calocrater preussii 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: Calocrater preussii K.Schum., family Apocynaceae (first published in Nat. Pflanzenfam. 4(2): 175 (1895)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Calocrater preussii is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
