Myrcia rupestris Plant Care

Myrcia rupestris (Myrcia rupestris) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Myrcia genus. Myrcia rupestris is native to south-east Brazil, and first described in 2015.

Myrcia rupestris displays an upright, bushy shrub or small tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Myrcia rupestris produces small, white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Myrcia rupestris every 7–14 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.

Myrcia rupestris thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Myrcia rupestris tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Myrcia rupestris prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Myrcia rupestris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Myrcia rupestris 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Myrcia rupestris is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Myrcia rupestris can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Myrcia rupestris 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.

Myrcia rupestris 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.

Myrcia rupestris can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to myrcia guianensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Myrcia rupestris 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.

Myrcia rupestris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Myrcia rupestris is native to south-east Brazil, and first described in 2015. In cooler regions, grow Myrcia rupestris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.