Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria Plant Care

Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria (Excoecaria cochinchinensis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Excoecaria genus. Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria is native to Southeast China, Hainan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria is also known as Chinese Croton, Fire-plant, Piccabeen.

Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria produces inconspicuous flowers, prized for colorful foliage.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria every 7–14 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.

Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Excoecaria cochinchinensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria 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 well-draining soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria 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.

Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria 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 Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria 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.

Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria 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.

Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to excoecaria benthamiana plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria is native to Southeast China, Hainan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Scarlet-leaved Excoecaria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.