Cuban Huertea Plant Care

Cuban Huertea (Huertea cubensis) belongs to the Tapisciaceae family within the Huertea genus. Cuban Huertea is native to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.

Cuban Huertea displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Cuban Huertea produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cuban Huertea 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.

Cuban Huertea thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Huertea cubensis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Cuban Huertea prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Cuban Huertea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cuban Huertea 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cuban Huertea is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Cuban Huertea can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Cuban Huertea 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.

Cuban Huertea 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.

Cuban Huertea can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

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

Cuban Huertea 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.

Cuban Huertea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cuban Huertea is native to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. In cooler regions, grow Cuban Huertea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.