Socotran kohautia Plant Care

Socotran kohautia (Kohautia socotrana) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Kohautia genus. Socotran kohautia is native to Socotra island of Yemen, off the coast of Africa.

Socotran kohautia displays a compact, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Socotran kohautia produces small, star-shaped white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Socotran kohautia 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.

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

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

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

Feed Socotran kohautia 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, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Socotran kohautia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Socotran kohautia can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Socotran kohautia 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.

Socotran kohautia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Socotran kohautia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cape forget-me-not plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Socotran kohautia 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.

Socotran kohautia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Socotran kohautia is native to Socotra island of Yemen, off the coast of Africa. In cooler regions, grow Socotran kohautia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.