Florida Cartrema Plant Care

Florida Cartrema (Cartrema floridana) belongs to the Oleaceae family within the Cartrema genus. Florida Cartrema is native to central Florida.

Florida Cartrema displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Florida Cartrema produces small white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Florida Cartrema every 7–10 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.

Florida Cartrema thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cartrema floridana tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Florida Cartrema prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Florida Cartrema to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Florida Cartrema 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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Florida Cartrema 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.

Florida Cartrema can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Florida Cartrema 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.

Florida Cartrema 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.

Florida Cartrema can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Florida Cartrema 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.

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