Myrcianthes coquimbensis Plant Care

Myrcianthes coquimbensis (Barnéoud) Landrum & Grifo

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Myrcianthes coquimbensis, commonly called lucumillo, is an evergreen shrub of the genus Myrcianthes of the family Myrtaceae. It is endemic to the Coquimbo Region of Chile and is considered to be endangered.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Myrcianthes coquimbensis?

Plant Myrcianthes coquimbensis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Myrcianthes coquimbensis Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Myrcianthes coquimbensis?

Myrcianthes coquimbensis (Myrcianthes coquimbensis) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Myrcianthes genus. Myrcianthes coquimbensis is native to the Coquimbo Region of Chile.

Myrcianthes coquimbensis displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Myrcianthes coquimbensis produces small white or pink fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Myrcianthes coquimbensis?

Water a young or newly planted Myrcianthes coquimbensis 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Myrcianthes coquimbensis Need?

Myrcianthes coquimbensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Myrcianthes coquimbensis Prefer?

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

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Myrcianthes coquimbensis?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Myrcianthes coquimbensis?

Feed Myrcianthes coquimbensis 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.

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 Myrcianthes coquimbensis?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Myrcianthes coquimbensis 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Myrcianthes coquimbensis?

Myrcianthes coquimbensis can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (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 tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Myrcianthes coquimbensis?

Prune Myrcianthes coquimbensis 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.

How Do You Care for a Myrcianthes coquimbensis in Winter?

Myrcianthes coquimbensis 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 Myrcianthes coquimbensis?

Myrcianthes coquimbensis can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to colubrina elliptica plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Myrcianthes coquimbensis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Myrcianthes coquimbensis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

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 Myrcianthes coquimbensis?

Myrcianthes coquimbensis 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Myrcianthes coquimbensis Need?

Myrcianthes coquimbensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Myrcianthes coquimbensis is native to the Coquimbo Region of Chile. In cooler regions, grow Myrcianthes coquimbensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Myrcianthes coquimbensis 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 Myrcianthes genus — compare its care with other Myrcianthes species on PlantoScan.

Myrcianthes is part of the Myrtaceae plant family — browse all Myrtaceae genera and species.

Myrcianthes coquimbensis 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: Myrcianthes coquimbensis (Barnéoud) Landrum & Grifo, family Myrtaceae (first published in Brittonia 40: 290 (1988)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Myrcianthes coquimbensis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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.

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