Palicourea latifolia Plant Care

Palicourea latifolia (Palicourea latifolia) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Palicourea genus. Palicourea latifolia is native to Peru.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Palicourea latifolia 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 latifolia thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Palicourea latifolia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Palicourea latifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Palicourea latifolia 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 latifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Palicourea latifolia 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 latifolia is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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 latifolia 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 latifolia 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 latifolia 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.

Palicourea latifolia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

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