Leathery Kadua Plant Care

Leathery Kadua (Kadua coriacea) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Kadua genus. Leathery Kadua is native to Hawaii.

Leathery Kadua displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Leathery Kadua produces small white or pink tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Leathery Kadua 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.

Leathery Kadua thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Leathery Kadua in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Kadua coriacea tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Leathery Kadua prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Leathery Kadua to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Leathery Kadua 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 to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Leathery Kadua 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.

Leathery Kadua can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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 Leathery Kadua 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.

Leathery Kadua 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.

Leathery Kadua can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kadua cookiana plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Leathery Kadua 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.

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