Boldo Plant Care

Boldo (Peumus boldus) belongs to the Monimiaceae family within the Peumus genus. Boldo is native to the central region of Chile, between 33° and 40° southern latitude.

Boldo displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Boldo produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Boldo every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Boldo thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Boldo in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Peumus boldus tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Boldo prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Boldo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Boldo every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Boldo is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Boldo can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Boldo 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 tree in one year.

Boldo 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.

Boldo can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.

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

Boldo is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Boldo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Boldo is native to the central region of Chile, between 33° and 40° southern latitude. In cooler regions, grow Boldo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.