Tube-flowered oxyanthus Plant Care

Tube-flowered oxyanthus (Oxyanthus tubiflorus) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Oxyanthus genus. Tube-flowered oxyanthus is native to Sierra Leone, Guinea and probably neighboring Liberia.

Tube-flowered oxyanthus displays a compact, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Tube-flowered oxyanthus produces small white tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tube-flowered oxyanthus 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.

Tube-flowered oxyanthus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Tube-flowered oxyanthus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Oxyanthus tubiflorus tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Tube-flowered oxyanthus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Tube-flowered oxyanthus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tube-flowered oxyanthus 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 acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tube-flowered oxyanthus 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.

Tube-flowered oxyanthus can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 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.

Prune Tube-flowered oxyanthus 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.

Tube-flowered oxyanthus 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.

Tube-flowered oxyanthus can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to oxyanthus montanus plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Tube-flowered oxyanthus is susceptible to mealybugs, 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.

Tube-flowered oxyanthus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Tube-flowered oxyanthus is native to Sierra Leone, Guinea and probably neighboring Liberia. In cooler regions, grow Tube-flowered oxyanthus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.