Calycosiphonia macrochlamys Plant Care
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys (K.Schum.) Robbr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking variegated leaves featuring shades of green, white, and pink, this plant hails from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Calycosiphonia macrochlamys for its unique coloration and rare beauty, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Calycosiphonia macrochlamys?
Plant Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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.
Where Is the Calycosiphonia macrochlamys Native To?
What Is the Calycosiphonia macrochlamys?
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys (Calycosiphonia macrochlamys) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Calycosiphonia genus. Calycosiphonia macrochlamys is native to Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Ghana.
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Calycosiphonia macrochlamys produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Calycosiphonia macrochlamys?
Water a young or newly planted Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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 Calycosiphonia macrochlamys Need?
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Calycosiphonia macrochlamys in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Calycosiphonia macrochlamys Prefer?
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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 Calycosiphonia macrochlamys?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Calycosiphonia macrochlamys to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Calycosiphonia macrochlamys?
Feed Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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 Calycosiphonia macrochlamys?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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 Calycosiphonia macrochlamys?
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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 Calycosiphonia macrochlamys?
Prune Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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 Calycosiphonia macrochlamys in Winter?
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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 Calycosiphonia macrochlamys?
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Calycosiphonia macrochlamys Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Calycosiphonia macrochlamys, 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 Calycosiphonia macrochlamys?
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Calycosiphonia macrochlamys Need?
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Calycosiphonia macrochlamys is native to Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Ghana. In cooler regions, grow Calycosiphonia macrochlamys as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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 Calycosiphonia genus — compare its care with other Calycosiphonia species on PlantoScan.
Calycosiphonia is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.
Calycosiphonia macrochlamys 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: Calycosiphonia macrochlamys (K.Schum.) Robbr., family Rubiaceae (first published in Bull. Jard. Bot. Natl. Belg. 51: 377 (1981)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Calycosiphonia macrochlamys, 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 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.
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