Dwarf Menodora (Menodora integrifolia)

Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist

Dwarf Menodora Plant Care

Menodora integrifolia (Cham. & Schltdl.) Steud.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is known for its slender, linear leaves that are a vibrant green color. Originating from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, Menodora integrifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its delicate foliage and ability to thrive in arid environments. Its compact size and attractive appearance make it a unique addition to any succulent garden.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Dwarf Menodora?

Plant Dwarf Menodora in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Dwarf Menodora?

Dwarf Menodora (Menodora integrifolia) belongs to the Oleaceae family within the Menodora genus. Dwarf Menodora is native to United States, Mexico. Dwarf Menodora is also known as Smooth Menodora.

Dwarf Menodora displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dwarf Menodora produces small, fragrant white or pale yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Dwarf Menodora?

Water a young or newly planted Dwarf Menodora 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Dwarf Menodora Need?

Dwarf Menodora thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dwarf Menodora Prefer?

Menodora integrifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Dwarf Menodora prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dwarf Menodora?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Dwarf Menodora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Dwarf Menodora?

Feed Dwarf Menodora 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Dwarf Menodora?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dwarf Menodora is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Dwarf Menodora?

Dwarf Menodora can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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.

How Do You Prune a Dwarf Menodora?

Prune Dwarf Menodora 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.

How Do You Care for a Dwarf Menodora in Winter?

Dwarf Menodora is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Dwarf Menodora?

Dwarf Menodora can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african menodora plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Dwarf Menodora Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Dwarf Menodora, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dwarf Menodora?

Dwarf Menodora 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dwarf Menodora Need?

Dwarf Menodora grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dwarf Menodora is native to United States, Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf Menodora as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Dwarf Menodora is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Menodora genus — compare its care with other Menodora species on PlantoScan.

Menodora is part of the Oleaceae plant family — browse all Oleaceae genera and species.

Dwarf Menodora thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Menodora Species

Other Menodora species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Menodora integrifolia (Cham. & Schltdl.) Steud., family Oleaceae (first published in Nomencl. Bot. , ed. 2, 2: 124 (1841)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dwarf Menodora, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Dwarf Menodora Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species