Balfour's oldenlandia Plant Care

Balfour's oldenlandia (Oldenlandia balfourii) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Oldenlandia genus. Balfour's oldenlandia is native to the island of Socotra in Yemen.

Balfour's oldenlandia displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Balfour's oldenlandia produces small white or pink star-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Balfour's oldenlandia 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.

Balfour's oldenlandia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Balfour's oldenlandia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Oldenlandia balfourii tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Balfour's oldenlandia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Balfour's oldenlandia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Balfour's oldenlandia 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 light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Balfour's oldenlandia is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Balfour's oldenlandia can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 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 Balfour's oldenlandia 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.

Balfour's oldenlandia 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.

Balfour's oldenlandia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cushion wild coffee plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Balfour's oldenlandia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Balfour's oldenlandia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Balfour's oldenlandia is native to the island of Socotra in Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Balfour's oldenlandia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.