Marianthus microphyllus Plant Care

Marianthus microphyllus (Marianthus microphyllus) belongs to the Pittosporaceae family within the Marianthus genus. Marianthus microphyllus is native to the south of Western Australia.

Marianthus microphyllus displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Marianthus microphyllus produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Marianthus microphyllus 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.

Marianthus microphyllus thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Marianthus microphyllus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Marianthus microphyllus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Marianthus microphyllus 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Marianthus microphyllus is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Marianthus microphyllus can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Marianthus microphyllus 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.

Marianthus microphyllus 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.

Marianthus microphyllus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marianthus aquilonaris plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Marianthus microphyllus 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.

Marianthus microphyllus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Marianthus microphyllus is native to the south of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Marianthus microphyllus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.