Deppea splendens Plant Care

Deppea splendens (Deppea splendens) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Deppea genus. Deppea splendens is native to Chiapas, Mexico.

Deppea splendens displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Deppea splendens produces showy, tubular orange flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Deppea splendens 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.

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

Deppea splendens tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Deppea splendens prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Deppea splendens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Deppea splendens every 6 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Deppea splendens is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Deppea splendens can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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.

Prune Deppea splendens 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.

Deppea splendens 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.

Deppea splendens can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree dahlia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Deppea splendens is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

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