Mittenia plumula Plant Care

Mittenia plumula (Mittenia plumula) belongs to the Mitteniaceae family within the Mittenia genus.

Mittenia plumula displays a tall, elegant tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Mittenia plumula produces large, showy blooms in shades of purple and white.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mittenia plumula 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.

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

Mittenia plumula tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Mittenia plumula prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loamy, well-draining soil with added peat moss and perlite for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Mittenia plumula to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mittenia plumula 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 loamy, well-draining soil with added peat moss and perlite for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mittenia plumula is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Mittenia plumula can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Mittenia plumula 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.

Mittenia plumula 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.

Mittenia plumula can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, air layering.

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

Mittenia plumula is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Mittenia plumula grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Mittenia plumula as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.