Crowned Macroscepis Plant Care

Crowned Macroscepis (Macroscepis diademata) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Macroscepis genus. Crowned Macroscepis is native to South America, Brazil. Crowned Macroscepis is also known as Diadem Macroceph.

Crowned Macroscepis displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Crowned Macroscepis produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Crowned Macroscepis 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.

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

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

Well-draining, sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Crowned Macroscepis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Crowned Macroscepis 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, sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Crowned Macroscepis 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.

Crowned Macroscepis 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 Crowned Macroscepis 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.

Crowned Macroscepis 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.

Crowned Macroscepis can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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

Crowned Macroscepis 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.

Crowned Macroscepis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Crowned Macroscepis is native to South America, Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Crowned Macroscepis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.