Megaphrynium macrostachyum Plant Care

Megaphrynium macrostachyum (Megaphrynium macrostachyum) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Megaphrynium genus. Megaphrynium macrostachyum is native to tropical Africa.

Megaphrynium macrostachyum displays a clumping, upright habit growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Megaphrynium macrostachyum produces showy bracts with small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Megaphrynium macrostachyum 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.

Megaphrynium macrostachyum thrives in bright indirect to medium light. Avoid placing Megaphrynium macrostachyum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Megaphrynium macrostachyum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Megaphrynium macrostachyum prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Megaphrynium macrostachyum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Megaphrynium macrostachyum 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 to medium light and rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Megaphrynium macrostachyum 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.

Megaphrynium macrostachyum can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Megaphrynium macrostachyum 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.

Megaphrynium macrostachyum 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.

Megaphrynium macrostachyum can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings.

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

Megaphrynium macrostachyum is susceptible to spider mites, 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.

Megaphrynium macrostachyum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Megaphrynium macrostachyum is native to tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Megaphrynium macrostachyum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.