Marica bicolor Plant Care

Marica bicolor (Miconia bicolor) belongs to the Melastomataceae family within the Miconia genus. Marica bicolor is native to southern Florida in the United States and the Caribbean. Marica bicolor is also known as Miconia albicans.

Marica bicolor displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Marica bicolor produces small, colorful clusters of flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Marica bicolor every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Marica bicolor thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Marica bicolor in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Miconia bicolor tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Marica bicolor 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 matter content. Good drainage is essential for Marica bicolor to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Marica bicolor every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 light and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Marica bicolor is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Marica bicolor can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Marica bicolor 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 tree in one year.

Marica bicolor is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Marica bicolor can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to green miconia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Marica bicolor is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Marica bicolor grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Marica bicolor is native to southern Florida in the United States and the Caribbean. In cooler regions, grow Marica bicolor as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.