Discospermum philippinensis Plant Care

Discospermum philippinensis (Discospermum philippinensis) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Discospermum genus.

Discospermum philippinensis displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Discospermum philippinensis produces small white or pink star-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Discospermum philippinensis every 4–7 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.

Discospermum philippinensis thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Discospermum philippinensis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Discospermum philippinensis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Discospermum philippinensis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Discospermum philippinensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Discospermum philippinensis 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 partial shade to dappled sunlight and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Discospermum philippinensis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Discospermum philippinensis can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Discospermum philippinensis 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.

Discospermum philippinensis 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.

Discospermum philippinensis can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to discospermum sphaerocarpum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Discospermum philippinensis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Discospermum philippinensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Discospermum philippinensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.