Craspidospermum verticillatum Plant Care

Craspidospermum verticillatum (Craspidospermum verticillatum) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Craspidospermum genus. Craspidospermum verticillatum is native to Madagascar.

Craspidospermum verticillatum displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Craspidospermum verticillatum produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Craspidospermum verticillatum 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.

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

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

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added perlite for drainage. Good drainage is essential for Craspidospermum verticillatum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Craspidospermum verticillatum 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, slightly acidic soil mix with added perlite for drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Craspidospermum verticillatum 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.

Craspidospermum verticillatum can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Craspidospermum verticillatum 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.

Craspidospermum verticillatum 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.

Craspidospermum verticillatum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Craspidospermum verticillatum 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.

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