Homalium smythei Plant Care

Homalium smythei (Homalium smythei) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Homalium genus. Homalium smythei is native to Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Homalium smythei displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Homalium smythei produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Homalium smythei 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.

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

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

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Homalium smythei to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Homalium smythei 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 loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Homalium smythei 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.

Homalium smythei 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 Homalium smythei 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.

Homalium smythei 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.

Homalium smythei can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to homalium acuminatum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Homalium smythei 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.

Homalium smythei grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Homalium smythei is native to Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. In cooler regions, grow Homalium smythei as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.