Field guava Plant Care
Guiraoa arvensis Coss.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily identified by its bright red trumpet-shaped flowers that stand out against its glossy green foliage. Originally from Central and South America, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its stunning and exotic appearance in gardens and landscapes. Its unique mix of vibrant blooms and striking leaves make it a standout addition to any collection.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Field guava?
Water Field guava every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Field guava Native To?
What Is the Field guava?
Field guava (Guiraoa arvensis) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Guiraoa genus. Field guava is native to eastern and southeastern Spain. Field guava is also known as Cattley guava, Strawberry guava.
Field guava displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Field guava produces small clusters of white or purple flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Field guava?
Guiraoa arvensis requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Field guava Need?
Field guava thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Field guava Prefer?
Guiraoa arvensis grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Field guava prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Field guava?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Field guava to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Field guava?
Feed Field guava every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Field guava?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Field guava?
Field guava can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Field guava Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Field guava, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Field guava?
Field guava is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Field guava Need?
Field guava grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Field guava is native to eastern and southeastern Spain. In cooler regions, grow Field guava as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Field guava is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Guiraoa genus — compare its care with other Guiraoa species on PlantoScan.
Guiraoa is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Field guava thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Guiraoa arvensis Coss., family Brassicaceae (first published in Notes Pl. Crit. : 98 (1851)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Field guava, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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