Colobocarpos nanus Plant Care

Colobocarpos nanus (Gagnep.) Esser & Welzen

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Colobocarpos is a monotypic plant genus of the family Euphorbiaceae. The sole species is Colobocarpos nanus.

🌿Shrubs🪴Houseplants🌵Succulents
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Partial to full shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Colobocarpos nanus?

Plant Colobocarpos nanus in partial to full shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Colobocarpos nanus Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Colobocarpos nanus?

Colobocarpos nanus (Colobocarpos nanus) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Colobocarpos genus. Colobocarpos nanus is native to Laos and Northern Thailand.

Colobocarpos nanus displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Colobocarpos nanus produces small inconspicuous greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Colobocarpos nanus?

Water a young or newly planted Colobocarpos nanus 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 Colobocarpos nanus Need?

Colobocarpos nanus thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Colobocarpos nanus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Partial to full shade

50–200 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Colobocarpos nanus Prefer?

Colobocarpos nanus tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Colobocarpos nanus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Colobocarpos nanus?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Colobocarpos nanus?

Feed Colobocarpos nanus every 8 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 8 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 Colobocarpos nanus?

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Colobocarpos nanus is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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 Colobocarpos nanus?

Colobocarpos nanus can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Colobocarpos nanus?

Prune Colobocarpos nanus 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 Colobocarpos nanus in Winter?

Colobocarpos nanus 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.

How Do You Propagate a Colobocarpos nanus?

Colobocarpos nanus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Colobocarpos nanus Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Colobocarpos nanus, 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 Colobocarpos nanus?

Colobocarpos nanus is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Colobocarpos nanus Need?

Colobocarpos nanus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Colobocarpos nanus is native to Laos and Northern Thailand. In cooler regions, grow Colobocarpos nanus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Colobocarpos nanus 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 Colobocarpos genus — compare its care with other Colobocarpos species on PlantoScan.

Colobocarpos is part of the Euphorbiaceae plant family — browse all Euphorbiaceae genera and species.

Colobocarpos nanus copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Colobocarpos nanus (Gagnep.) Esser & Welzen, family Euphorbiaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 56: 658 (2001)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Colobocarpos nanus, 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 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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