Sucuuba Plant Care

Sucuuba (Himatanthus obovatus) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Himatanthus genus.

Sucuuba displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Sucuuba produces small, white, star-shaped flowers with a yellow center.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sucuuba every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

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

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

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

Feed Sucuuba every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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, slightly acidic soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sucuuba is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Sucuuba can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Sucuuba 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 tree in one year.

Sucuuba 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.

Sucuuba can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bracted trumpet tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Sucuuba 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.

Sucuuba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Sucuuba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.