Maui rare-leaf Plant Care

Maui rare-leaf (Flueggea neowawraea) belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family within the Flueggea genus. Maui rare-leaf is native to dry, coastal mesic, and mixed mesic forests at elevations of 250 to 1,000 m. Maui rare-leaf is also known as Maui nettle.

Maui rare-leaf displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Maui rare-leaf produces small greenish-white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Maui rare-leaf 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.

Maui rare-leaf thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Maui rare-leaf in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Flueggea neowawraea tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Maui rare-leaf 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 Maui rare-leaf to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Maui rare-leaf 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.

Maui rare-leaf 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.

Maui rare-leaf can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 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 Maui rare-leaf 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.

Maui rare-leaf 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.

Maui rare-leaf can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bushweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Maui rare-leaf 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.

Maui rare-leaf grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Maui rare-leaf is native to dry, coastal mesic, and mixed mesic forests at elevations of 250 to 1,000 m. In cooler regions, grow Maui rare-leaf as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.