Holarrhena pubescens Plant Care

Holarrhena pubescens (Holarrhena mitis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Holarrhena genus. Holarrhena pubescens is native to Sri Lanka at elevations below 1,500 feet (460 m). Holarrhena pubescens is also known as Conessi tree, Tellicherry bark.

Holarrhena pubescens displays an upright, medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Holarrhena pubescens produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Holarrhena pubescens every 7–14 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.

Holarrhena pubescens thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Holarrhena mitis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Holarrhena pubescens prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Holarrhena pubescens 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Holarrhena pubescens is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Holarrhena pubescens can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Holarrhena pubescens 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.

Holarrhena pubescens 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.

Holarrhena pubescens can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african rosebay plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Holarrhena pubescens 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.

Holarrhena pubescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Holarrhena pubescens is native to Sri Lanka at elevations below 1,500 feet (460 m). In cooler regions, grow Holarrhena pubescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.