Neonauclea gageana Plant Care

Neonauclea gageana Merr.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Neonauclea gageana is a species of large tree in the family Rubiaceae. It is endemic to the Middle and South Andaman Islands of India where it was collected in the 19th century.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🪴Houseplants
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect to partial shade

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Neonauclea gageana?

Plant Neonauclea gageana in bright indirect to partial shade (USDA zones 11b–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Neonauclea gageana Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Neonauclea gageana?

Neonauclea gageana (Neonauclea gageana) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Neonauclea genus. Neonauclea gageana is native to the Middle and South Andaman Islands of India.

Neonauclea gageana displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Neonauclea gageana produces small, white, fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Neonauclea gageana?

Water a young or newly planted Neonauclea gageana 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 Neonauclea gageana Need?

Neonauclea gageana thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Neonauclea gageana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Neonauclea gageana Prefer?

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

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Neonauclea gageana?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Neonauclea gageana?

Feed Neonauclea gageana 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 Neonauclea gageana?

Choose a spot with bright indirect to partial shade and well-draining, rich, acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Neonauclea gageana is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Neonauclea gageana?

Neonauclea gageana can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Neonauclea gageana?

Prune Neonauclea gageana 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 Neonauclea gageana in Winter?

Neonauclea gageana is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). 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 Neonauclea gageana?

Neonauclea gageana can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to neonauclea sessilifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Neonauclea gageana Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Neonauclea gageana, 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 Neonauclea gageana?

Neonauclea gageana 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 Neonauclea gageana Need?

Neonauclea gageana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Neonauclea gageana is native to the Middle and South Andaman Islands of India. In cooler regions, grow Neonauclea gageana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Neonauclea gageana 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 Neonauclea genus — compare its care with other Neonauclea species on PlantoScan.

Neonauclea is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.

Neonauclea gageana 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: Neonauclea gageana Merr., family Rubiaceae (first published in J. Washington Acad. Sci. 5: 540 (1915)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Neonauclea gageana, 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 11b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • 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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