Holly Malpighia Plant Care

Holly Malpighia (Malpighia coccigera) belongs to the Malpighiaceae family within the Malpighia genus. Holly Malpighia is native to the Caribbean. Holly Malpighia is also known as Singapore Holly.

Holly Malpighia displays a small, bushy tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Holly Malpighia produces small, pink or white fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Holly Malpighia 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.

Holly Malpighia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Malpighia coccigera tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Holly Malpighia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Holly Malpighia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Holly Malpighia 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Holly Malpighia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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.

Holly Malpighia can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Holly Malpighia 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.

Holly Malpighia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Holly Malpighia can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to barbados cherry plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Holly Malpighia 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.

Holly Malpighia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Holly Malpighia is native to the Caribbean. In cooler regions, grow Holly Malpighia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.