Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
New Zealand Daphne Plant Care
Parsonsia capsularis R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Parsonsia capsularis is a visually stunning vine with dark green, glossy leaves that have a unique heart shape. Native to Australia, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its delicate flowers and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Its charming appearance and easy care make it a must-have addition to any plant lover's collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for New Zealand Daphne?
Water New Zealand Daphne every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the New Zealand Daphne Native To?
What Is the New Zealand Daphne?
New Zealand Daphne (Parsonsia capsularis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Parsonsia genus. New Zealand Daphne is native to New Zealand belonging to the dogbane family Apocynaceae. New Zealand Daphne is also known as Kaihua.
New Zealand Daphne displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. New Zealand Daphne produces small, fragrant clusters of white or pink tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a New Zealand Daphne?
Parsonsia capsularis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the New Zealand Daphne Need?
New Zealand Daphne thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing New Zealand Daphne in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the New Zealand Daphne Prefer?
Parsonsia capsularis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. New Zealand Daphne prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a New Zealand Daphne?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite and orchid bark. Good drainage is essential for New Zealand Daphne to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a New Zealand Daphne?
Feed New Zealand Daphne every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a New Zealand Daphne?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a New Zealand Daphne?
New Zealand Daphne can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new zealand jasmine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the New Zealand Daphne Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the New Zealand Daphne?
New Zealand Daphne is susceptible to aphids, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the New Zealand Daphne Need?
New Zealand Daphne grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. New Zealand Daphne is native to New Zealand belonging to the dogbane family Apocynaceae.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
New Zealand Daphne is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Parsonsia genus — compare its care with other Parsonsia species on PlantoScan.
Parsonsia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
New Zealand Daphne thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Parsonsia Species
Other Parsonsia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Parsonsia capsularis R.Br., family Apocynaceae (first published in Ann. Wiener Mus. Naturgesch. 1: 175 (1836)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: New Zealand Daphne is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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