Palicourea angustifolia Plant Care

Palicourea angustifolia (Palicourea albiflora) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Palicourea genus. Palicourea angustifolia is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. Palicourea angustifolia is also known as Psychotria albiflora.

Palicourea angustifolia displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Palicourea angustifolia produces small tubular flowers in clusters of white, pink, or red.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Palicourea angustifolia 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.

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

Palicourea albiflora tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Palicourea angustifolia 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 and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Palicourea angustifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Palicourea angustifolia 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 to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Palicourea angustifolia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Palicourea angustifolia can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 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 Palicourea angustifolia 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.

Palicourea angustifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Palicourea angustifolia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to palicourea elata plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Palicourea angustifolia is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. 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.

Palicourea angustifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Palicourea angustifolia is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Palicourea angustifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.