Philotheca acrolopha Plant Care

Philotheca acrolopha (Philotheca acrolopha) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Philotheca genus.

Philotheca acrolopha displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Philotheca acrolopha produces small, star-shaped flowers in white or pink clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Philotheca acrolopha 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.

Philotheca acrolopha thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Philotheca acrolopha in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Philotheca acrolopha tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Philotheca acrolopha prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Philotheca acrolopha to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Philotheca acrolopha 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, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Philotheca acrolopha is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Philotheca acrolopha 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 Philotheca acrolopha 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.

Philotheca acrolopha 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.

Philotheca acrolopha can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wax flower plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Philotheca acrolopha 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.

Philotheca acrolopha grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Philotheca acrolopha as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.