Myrosma cannifolia Plant Care

Myrosma cannifolia (Myrosma cannifolia) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Myrosma genus. Myrosma cannifolia is native to northern South America as well as Trinidad and the Windward Islands.

Myrosma cannifolia displays a clumping, low rosette growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Myrosma cannifolia produces small, white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Myrosma cannifolia 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.

Myrosma cannifolia thrives in bright indirect to medium light. Avoid placing Myrosma cannifolia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

Rich, well-draining potting mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Myrosma cannifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Myrosma cannifolia 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to medium light and rich, well-draining potting mix with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Myrosma cannifolia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Myrosma cannifolia can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Myrosma cannifolia 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.

Myrosma cannifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Myrosma cannifolia can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings.

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Myrosma cannifolia is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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.

Myrosma cannifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Myrosma cannifolia is native to northern South America as well as Trinidad and the Windward Islands. In cooler regions, grow Myrosma cannifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.