Myrsine linearifolia Plant Care
Myrsine linearifolia Hosaka
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Myrsine linearifolia is a rare species of flowering plant in the primrose family known by the common name narrowleaf colicwood. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known only from the island of Kauai.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Myrsine linearifolia?
Plant Myrsine linearifolia in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Myrsine linearifolia Native To?
What Is the Myrsine linearifolia?
Myrsine linearifolia (Myrsine linearifolia) belongs to the Primulaceae family within the Myrsine genus. Myrsine linearifolia is native to Hawaii.
Myrsine linearifolia displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Myrsine linearifolia produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Myrsine linearifolia?
Water a young or newly planted Myrsine linearifolia 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Myrsine linearifolia Need?
Myrsine linearifolia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Myrsine linearifolia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Myrsine linearifolia Prefer?
Myrsine linearifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Myrsine linearifolia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Myrsine linearifolia?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Myrsine linearifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Myrsine linearifolia?
Feed Myrsine linearifolia 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 Myrsine linearifolia?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Myrsine linearifolia 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 Myrsine linearifolia?
Myrsine linearifolia can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Myrsine linearifolia?
Prune Myrsine linearifolia 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 Myrsine linearifolia in Winter?
Myrsine linearifolia 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 Myrsine linearifolia?
Myrsine linearifolia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cheeseman's myrsine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Myrsine linearifolia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Myrsine linearifolia, 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 Myrsine linearifolia?
Myrsine linearifolia 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 Myrsine linearifolia Need?
Myrsine linearifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Myrsine linearifolia is native to Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Myrsine linearifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Myrsine linearifolia 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 Myrsine genus — compare its care with other Myrsine species on PlantoScan.
Myrsine is part of the Primulaceae plant family — browse all Primulaceae genera and species.
Myrsine linearifolia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Myrsine Species
Other Myrsine species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Myrsine linearifolia Hosaka, family Primulaceae (first published in Occas. Pap. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Mus. 16: 41 (1940)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Myrsine linearifolia, 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.
