Memecylon lilacinum Plant Care

Memecylon lilacinum (Memecylon lilacinum) belongs to the Melastomataceae family within the Memecylon genus. Memecylon lilacinum is native to an area of tropical Asia, from Jawa to Philippines to Vietnam and the Andaman Islands and Myanmar.

Memecylon lilacinum displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Memecylon lilacinum produces small clusters of purple, blue, or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Memecylon lilacinum 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.

Memecylon lilacinum thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Memecylon lilacinum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Memecylon lilacinum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Memecylon lilacinum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Memecylon lilacinum 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, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Memecylon lilacinum 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.

Memecylon lilacinum 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 Memecylon lilacinum 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.

Memecylon lilacinum 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.

Memecylon lilacinum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to memecylon angustifolium plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Memecylon lilacinum 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.

Memecylon lilacinum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Memecylon lilacinum is native to an area of tropical Asia, from Jawa to Philippines to Vietnam and the Andaman Islands and Myanmar. In cooler regions, grow Memecylon lilacinum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.