Andaman Carissa Plant Care

Andaman Carissa (Carissa andamanensis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Carissa genus. Andaman Carissa is native to Andaman Islands.

Andaman Carissa displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Andaman Carissa produces small, star-shaped white flowers with a sweet fragrance.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Andaman Carissa 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.

Andaman Carissa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Carissa andamanensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Andaman Carissa prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Andaman Carissa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Andaman Carissa 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 added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Andaman Carissa 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.

Andaman Carissa 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 Andaman Carissa 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.

Andaman Carissa 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.

Andaman Carissa can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to natal plum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Andaman Carissa 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.

Andaman Carissa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Andaman Carissa is native to Andaman Islands. In cooler regions, grow Andaman Carissa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.