Osyridicarpos schimperianus Plant Care

Osyridicarpos schimperianus (Osyridicarpos schimperianus) belongs to the Santalaceae family within the Osyridicarpos genus.

Osyridicarpos schimperianus displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Osyridicarpos schimperianus produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Osyridicarpos schimperianus every 7–14 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.

Osyridicarpos schimperianus thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Osyridicarpos schimperianus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Osyridicarpos schimperianus tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Osyridicarpos schimperianus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Osyridicarpos schimperianus every 8 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 partial shade to full shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Osyridicarpos schimperianus 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.

Osyridicarpos schimperianus can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 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.

Prune Osyridicarpos schimperianus 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.

Osyridicarpos schimperianus 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.

Osyridicarpos schimperianus can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.

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

Osyridicarpos schimperianus is susceptible to mealybugs, 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.

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