Small-headed Diplolaena Plant Care

Small-headed Diplolaena (Diplolaena microcephala) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Diplolaena genus. Small-headed Diplolaena is native to Western Australia.

Small-headed Diplolaena displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Small-headed Diplolaena produces small white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Small-headed Diplolaena 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.

Small-headed Diplolaena thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Diplolaena microcephala tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F. Small-headed Diplolaena prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Small-headed Diplolaena to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Small-headed Diplolaena 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Small-headed Diplolaena is suited to USDA Zone 12b.

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.

Small-headed Diplolaena can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Small-headed Diplolaena 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.

Small-headed Diplolaena is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Small-headed Diplolaena can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to andrews' diplolaena plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Small-headed Diplolaena is susceptible to citrus whitefly, scale insects, citrus psyllid. 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.

Small-headed Diplolaena grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12b. Small-headed Diplolaena is native to Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Small-headed Diplolaena as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.