Micrantheum hexandrum Plant Care
Micrantheum hexandrum Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Micrantheum hexandrum, commonly known as box micrantheum, is a species of flowering plant in the family Picrodendraceae and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is an erect, monoecious shrub with oblong to narrowly lance-shaped leaves, and small white flowers with six or nine stamens.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Micrantheum hexandrum?
Plant Micrantheum hexandrum in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Micrantheum hexandrum Native To?
What Is the Micrantheum hexandrum?
Micrantheum hexandrum (Micrantheum hexandrum) belongs to the Picrodendraceae family within the Micrantheum genus. Micrantheum hexandrum is native to eastern Australia.
Micrantheum hexandrum displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Micrantheum hexandrum produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Micrantheum hexandrum?
Water a young or newly planted Micrantheum hexandrum 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 Micrantheum hexandrum Need?
Micrantheum hexandrum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Micrantheum hexandrum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Micrantheum hexandrum Prefer?
Micrantheum hexandrum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Micrantheum hexandrum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Micrantheum hexandrum?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Micrantheum hexandrum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Micrantheum hexandrum?
Feed Micrantheum hexandrum 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 Micrantheum hexandrum?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Micrantheum hexandrum 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Micrantheum hexandrum?
Micrantheum hexandrum 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 Micrantheum hexandrum?
Prune Micrantheum hexandrum 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 Micrantheum hexandrum in Winter?
Micrantheum hexandrum 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.
How Do You Propagate a Micrantheum hexandrum?
Micrantheum hexandrum can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to micrantheum demissum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Micrantheum hexandrum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Micrantheum hexandrum?
Micrantheum hexandrum is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Micrantheum hexandrum Need?
Micrantheum hexandrum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Micrantheum hexandrum is native to eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Micrantheum hexandrum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Micrantheum hexandrum 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 Micrantheum genus (family Picrodendraceae) — search all Micrantheum species in the plant lookup.
Micrantheum hexandrum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Micrantheum hexandrum Hook.f., family Picrodendraceae (first published in London J. Bot. 6: 283 (1847)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Micrantheum hexandrum is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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.
