Vietnamese Cleistanthus Plant Care

Vietnamese Cleistanthus (Cleistanthus annamensis) belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family within the Cleistanthus genus. Vietnamese Cleistanthus is native to Vietnam. Vietnamese Cleistanthus is also known as Anamensis Cleistanthus.

Vietnamese Cleistanthus displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Vietnamese Cleistanthus produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Vietnamese Cleistanthus 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.

Vietnamese Cleistanthus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Vietnamese Cleistanthus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cleistanthus annamensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Vietnamese Cleistanthus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Vietnamese Cleistanthus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Vietnamese Cleistanthus 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 bright indirect light and well-draining soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Vietnamese Cleistanthus is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Vietnamese Cleistanthus 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 Vietnamese Cleistanthus 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.

Vietnamese Cleistanthus 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.

Vietnamese Cleistanthus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cleistanthus apodus plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Vietnamese Cleistanthus is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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.

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