Dimetra craibiana Plant Care
Dimetra craibiana Kerr
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dimetra is a plant genus in the family Oleaceae. It contains the single species Dimetra craibiana, native to Thailand and Laos.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Dimetra craibiana?
Plant Dimetra craibiana in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Dimetra craibiana?
Dimetra craibiana (Dimetra craibiana) belongs to the Oleaceae family within the Dimetra genus. Dimetra craibiana is native to Thailand and Laos.
Dimetra craibiana displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Dimetra craibiana produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dimetra craibiana?
Water a young or newly planted Dimetra craibiana 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 Dimetra craibiana Need?
Dimetra craibiana thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Dimetra craibiana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dimetra craibiana Prefer?
Dimetra craibiana tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Dimetra craibiana prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dimetra craibiana?
Loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Dimetra craibiana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dimetra craibiana?
Feed Dimetra craibiana 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 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 Dimetra craibiana?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Dimetra craibiana 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Dimetra craibiana?
Dimetra craibiana can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Dimetra craibiana?
Prune Dimetra craibiana 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 Dimetra craibiana in Winter?
Dimetra craibiana 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 Dimetra craibiana?
Dimetra craibiana can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering.
Is the Dimetra craibiana Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dimetra craibiana, 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 Dimetra craibiana?
Dimetra craibiana 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 Dimetra craibiana Need?
Dimetra craibiana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Dimetra craibiana is native to Thailand and Laos. In cooler regions, grow Dimetra craibiana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Dimetra craibiana 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 Dimetra genus — compare its care with other Dimetra species on PlantoScan.
Dimetra is part of the Oleaceae plant family — browse all Oleaceae genera and species.
Dimetra craibiana thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dimetra craibiana Kerr, family Oleaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1938: 127 (1938)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dimetra craibiana, 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.
