Fanninia caloglossa Plant Care

Fanninia caloglossa (Fanninia caloglossa) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Fanninia genus. Fanninia caloglossa is native to the Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa.

Fanninia caloglossa displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Fanninia caloglossa produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters of pink, white, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fanninia caloglossa 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.

Fanninia caloglossa thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Fanninia caloglossa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Fanninia caloglossa tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Fanninia caloglossa prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Fanninia caloglossa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fanninia caloglossa 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 sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fanninia caloglossa 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.

Fanninia caloglossa can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Fanninia caloglossa 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.

Fanninia caloglossa 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.

Fanninia caloglossa can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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

Fanninia caloglossa 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.

Fanninia caloglossa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Fanninia caloglossa is native to the Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Fanninia caloglossa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.