Photo: Matt BergerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
New Zealand Jasmine Plant Care
Forstera bellidifolia Hook.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique heart-shaped leaves that have striking white variegation. Originating from New Zealand, Forstera bellidifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual foliage and ability to thrive in low light conditions. With its eye-catching appearance, this plant is sure to stand out in any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for New Zealand Jasmine?
Water New Zealand Jasmine every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the New Zealand Jasmine Native To?
What Is the New Zealand Jasmine?
New Zealand Jasmine (Forstera bellidifolia) belongs to the Stylidiaceae family within the Forstera genus. New Zealand Jasmine is native to New Zealand nor does it possess the epigynous nectaries that are present in the other species. New Zealand Jasmine is also known as Mountain Hibiscus.
New Zealand Jasmine displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. New Zealand Jasmine produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a New Zealand Jasmine?
Forstera bellidifolia requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the New Zealand Jasmine Need?
New Zealand Jasmine thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing New Zealand Jasmine in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the New Zealand Jasmine Prefer?
Forstera bellidifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. New Zealand Jasmine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a New Zealand Jasmine?
Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for New Zealand Jasmine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a New Zealand Jasmine?
Feed New Zealand Jasmine every month 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 month
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 Jasmine?
Repot every 1-2 years in early 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 Jasmine?
New Zealand Jasmine can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to forstera tenella plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the New Zealand Jasmine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list New Zealand Jasmine, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Jasmine?
New Zealand Jasmine is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Jasmine Need?
New Zealand Jasmine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. New Zealand Jasmine is native to New Zealand nor does it possess the epigynous nectaries that are present in the other species.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
New Zealand Jasmine 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 Forstera genus — compare its care with other Forstera species on PlantoScan.
Forstera is part of the Stylidiaceae plant family — browse all Stylidiaceae genera and species.
New Zealand Jasmine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Forstera bellidifolia Hook., family Stylidiaceae (first published in Hooker's Icon. Pl. 9: t. 851 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list New Zealand Jasmine, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Matt Berger, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 9b, 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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