Farquharia elliptica Plant Care

Farquharia elliptica (Farquharia elliptica) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Farquharia genus. Farquharia elliptica is native to tropical western and central Africa.

Farquharia elliptica displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Farquharia elliptica produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Farquharia elliptica 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.

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

Farquharia elliptica tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Farquharia elliptica 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. Good drainage is essential for Farquharia elliptica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Farquharia elliptica 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. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Farquharia elliptica is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Farquharia elliptica 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 Farquharia elliptica 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.

Farquharia elliptica is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Farquharia elliptica can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Farquharia elliptica is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Farquharia elliptica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Farquharia elliptica is native to tropical western and central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Farquharia elliptica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.