Fosimondi's Jewel Plant Care
Kupeantha fosimondi (Tchiengué & Cheek) Cheek
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This stunning plant is known for its vibrant red and green variegated leaves that create a striking contrast. Originating from the tropical rainforests of South America, Kupeantha fosimondi is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching appearance. With its bold colors and intricate patterns, it is sure to stand out in any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fosimondi's Jewel?
Plant Fosimondi's Jewel in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Fosimondi's Jewel?
Fosimondi's Jewel (Kupeantha fosimondi) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Kupeantha genus. Fosimondi's Jewel is native to South America. Fosimondi's Jewel is also known as Fosimondi's Flower.
Fosimondi's Jewel displays a compact, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Fosimondi's Jewel produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fosimondi's Jewel?
Water a young or newly planted Fosimondi's Jewel 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Fosimondi's Jewel Need?
Fosimondi's Jewel thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Fosimondi's Jewel in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fosimondi's Jewel Prefer?
Kupeantha fosimondi tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Fosimondi's Jewel prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fosimondi's Jewel?
Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Fosimondi's Jewel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fosimondi's Jewel?
Feed Fosimondi's Jewel 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Fosimondi's Jewel?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Fosimondi's Jewel 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Fosimondi's Jewel?
Fosimondi's Jewel 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.
How Do You Prune a Fosimondi's Jewel?
Prune Fosimondi's Jewel 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.
How Do You Care for a Fosimondi's Jewel in Winter?
Fosimondi's Jewel 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.
How Do You Propagate a Fosimondi's Jewel?
Fosimondi's Jewel can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kupensis flower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fosimondi's Jewel Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fosimondi's Jewel, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fosimondi's Jewel?
Fosimondi's Jewel is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fosimondi's Jewel Need?
Fosimondi's Jewel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Fosimondi's Jewel is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Fosimondi's Jewel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Fosimondi's Jewel is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Kupeantha genus — compare its care with other Kupeantha species on PlantoScan.
Kupeantha is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.
Fosimondi's Jewel thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Kupeantha fosimondi (Tchiengué & Cheek) Cheek, family Rubiaceae (first published in PLoS ONE 13(6): e0199324 (15) (2018)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fosimondi's Jewel, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
