Cordate Caper Plant Care

Cordate Caper (Capparis spinosa subsp. cordifolia) belongs to the Capparaceae family within the Capparis genus. Cordate Caper is native to central Malesia and western and southern Pacific Ocean islands.

Cordate Caper displays a shrub or small tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Cordate Caper produces fragrant white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cordate Caper every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cordate Caper thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Capparis spinosa subsp. cordifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Cordate Caper prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cordate Caper to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cordate Caper every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cordate Caper is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cordate Caper can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Cordate Caper 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 tree in one year.

Cordate Caper 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.

Cordate Caper can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild caper plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cordate Caper 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.

Cordate Caper grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cordate Caper is native to central Malesia and western and southern Pacific Ocean islands. In cooler regions, grow Cordate Caper as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.