Lasianthus tomentosus Plant Care

Lasianthus tomentosus (Lasianthus tomentosus) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Lasianthus genus. Lasianthus tomentosus is native to Thailand, Java, Sulawesi and New Guinea.

Lasianthus tomentosus displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Lasianthus tomentosus produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lasianthus tomentosus 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.

Lasianthus tomentosus thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Lasianthus tomentosus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Lasianthus tomentosus tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Lasianthus tomentosus 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 Lasianthus tomentosus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lasianthus tomentosus 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 filtered sunlight or partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lasianthus tomentosus 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.

Lasianthus tomentosus can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 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 Lasianthus tomentosus 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.

Lasianthus tomentosus 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.

Lasianthus tomentosus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lasianthus chlorocarpus plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Lasianthus tomentosus 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.

Lasianthus tomentosus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Lasianthus tomentosus is native to Thailand, Java, Sulawesi and New Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Lasianthus tomentosus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.