Ochrosia kilaueaensis Plant Care

Ochrosia kilaueaensis (Ochrosia kilaueaensis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Ochrosia genus. Ochrosia kilaueaensis is native to the island of Hawaiʻi.

Ochrosia kilaueaensis displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Ochrosia kilaueaensis produces small, fragrant white or yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ochrosia kilaueaensis every 7–10 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.

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

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

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Ochrosia kilaueaensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ochrosia kilaueaensis 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.

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

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

Ochrosia kilaueaensis is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Ochrosia kilaueaensis can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Ochrosia kilaueaensis 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.

Ochrosia kilaueaensis 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.

Ochrosia kilaueaensis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ochrosia ackeringae plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Ochrosia kilaueaensis 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.

Ochrosia kilaueaensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Ochrosia kilaueaensis is native to the island of Hawaiʻi. In cooler regions, grow Ochrosia kilaueaensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.