Spotted Maxwellia Plant Care

Spotted Maxwellia (Maxwellia lepidota) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Maxwellia genus. Spotted Maxwellia is native to New Caledonia and the only species of the monotypic genus Maxwellia. Spotted Maxwellia is also known as Leopard Plant.

Spotted Maxwellia displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Spotted Maxwellia produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spotted Maxwellia 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.

Spotted Maxwellia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Maxwellia lepidota tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Spotted Maxwellia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Spotted Maxwellia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spotted Maxwellia 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spotted Maxwellia 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.

Spotted Maxwellia can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 Spotted Maxwellia 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.

Spotted Maxwellia 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.

Spotted Maxwellia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Spotted Maxwellia is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

Spotted Maxwellia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Spotted Maxwellia is native to New Caledonia and the only species of the monotypic genus Maxwellia. In cooler regions, grow Spotted Maxwellia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.