Myricanthe discolor Plant Care

Myricanthe discolor Airy Shaw

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This unique plant stands out with its striking silver-grey leaves that are lined with a contrasting dark green border. Originating from Ecuador, Myricanthe discolor is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual foliage and ability to thrive indoors as a low maintenance houseplant.

🌿Shrubs🪴Houseplants🌵Succulents
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial to full sun

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Myricanthe discolor?

Plant Myricanthe discolor in partial to full sun (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub 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 Myricanthe discolor Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Myricanthe discolor?

Myricanthe discolor (Myricanthe discolor) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Myricanthe genus. Myricanthe discolor is native to New Caledonia.

Myricanthe discolor displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Myricanthe discolor produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Myricanthe discolor?

Water a young or newly planted Myricanthe discolor every 7–14 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 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Myricanthe discolor Need?

Myricanthe discolor thrives in partial to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Myricanthe discolor Prefer?

Myricanthe discolor tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Myricanthe discolor prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Myricanthe discolor?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Myricanthe discolor to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Myricanthe discolor?

Feed Myricanthe discolor 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 Myricanthe discolor?

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Myricanthe discolor 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Myricanthe discolor?

Myricanthe discolor can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 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 plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Myricanthe discolor?

Prune Myricanthe discolor 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 Myricanthe discolor in Winter?

Myricanthe discolor 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 Myricanthe discolor?

Myricanthe discolor can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Myricanthe discolor Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Myricanthe discolor, 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 Myricanthe discolor?

Myricanthe discolor 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Myricanthe discolor Need?

Myricanthe discolor grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Myricanthe discolor is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Myricanthe discolor as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Myricanthe discolor 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 Myricanthe genus — compare its care with other Myricanthe species on PlantoScan.

Myricanthe is part of the Euphorbiaceae plant family — browse all Euphorbiaceae genera and species.

Myricanthe discolor 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: Myricanthe discolor Airy Shaw, family Euphorbiaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 35: 390 (1980)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Myricanthe discolor, 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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