Dichilanthe zeylanica Plant Care
Dichilanthe zeylanica Thwaites
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dichilanthe zeylanica is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is endemic to Sri Lanka.
Every 7–10 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dichilanthe zeylanica?
Water Dichilanthe zeylanica every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight or partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Dichilanthe zeylanica Native To?
What Is the Dichilanthe zeylanica?
Dichilanthe zeylanica (Dichilanthe zeylanica) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Dichilanthe genus. Dichilanthe zeylanica is native to Sri Lanka.
Dichilanthe zeylanica displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Dichilanthe zeylanica produces small, tubular white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dichilanthe zeylanica?
Dichilanthe zeylanica requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dichilanthe zeylanica Need?
Dichilanthe zeylanica thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Dichilanthe zeylanica in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dichilanthe zeylanica Prefer?
Dichilanthe zeylanica grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Dichilanthe zeylanica prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dichilanthe zeylanica?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Dichilanthe zeylanica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dichilanthe zeylanica?
Feed Dichilanthe zeylanica every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Dichilanthe zeylanica?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Dichilanthe zeylanica?
Dichilanthe zeylanica can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dichilanthe zeylanica Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dichilanthe zeylanica, 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 Dichilanthe zeylanica?
Dichilanthe zeylanica 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dichilanthe zeylanica Need?
Dichilanthe zeylanica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Dichilanthe zeylanica is native to Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Dichilanthe zeylanica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Dichilanthe zeylanica 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 Dichilanthe genus — compare its care with other Dichilanthe species on PlantoScan.
Dichilanthe is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.
Dichilanthe zeylanica produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dichilanthe zeylanica Thwaites, family Rubiaceae (first published in Hooker's J. Bot. Kew Gard. Misc. 8: 270 (1856)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dichilanthe zeylanica, 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 13b, 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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