Leucocroton havanensis Plant Care

Leucocroton havanensis (Leucocroton havanensis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Leucocroton genus.

Leucocroton havanensis displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Leucocroton havanensis produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Leucocroton havanensis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

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

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

Well-draining soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Leucocroton havanensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Leucocroton havanensis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Leucocroton havanensis is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Leucocroton havanensis can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Leucocroton havanensis 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 tree in one year.

Leucocroton havanensis 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.

Leucocroton havanensis can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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Leucocroton havanensis is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Leucocroton havanensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Leucocroton havanensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.