Misodendrum Plant Care

Misodendrum (Misodendrum punctulatum) belongs to the Misodendraceae family within the Misodendrum genus. Misodendrum is native to humid forests in the southern part of South America.

Misodendrum displays an epiphytic, parasitic shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Misodendrum produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Misodendrum 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.

Misodendrum thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Misodendrum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Misodendrum punctulatum tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Misodendrum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Misodendrum every 8 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 filtered sunlight and well-draining acidic soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Misodendrum 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.

Misodendrum can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Misodendrum 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.

Misodendrum 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.

Misodendrum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Misodendrum is susceptible to 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.

Misodendrum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Misodendrum is native to humid forests in the southern part of South America. In cooler regions, grow Misodendrum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.