Scarlet Berry Plant Care

Scarlet Berry (Olax scandens) belongs to the Olacaceae family within the Olax genus. Scarlet Berry is also known as Scarlet-berry.

Scarlet Berry displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Scarlet Berry produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Scarlet Berry every 7–14 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.

Scarlet Berry thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Scarlet Berry in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

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

Feed Scarlet Berry 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 light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Scarlet Berry 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.

Scarlet Berry 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 Scarlet Berry 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.

Scarlet Berry 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.

Scarlet Berry can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bird's beak plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Scarlet Berry 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.

Scarlet Berry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Scarlet Berry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.