Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla Plant Care

Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla (Lasiocroton macrophyllus) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Lasiocroton genus. Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla is native to Jamaica. Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla is also known as Croton macrophyllus.

Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla produces small greenish flowers in dense clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla 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.

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

Lasiocroton macrophyllus tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla 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 sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 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 Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla 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.

Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fawcett's croton plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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.

Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla is native to Jamaica. In cooler regions, grow Pseudorhopalaena macrophylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.