Phyllachne colensoi Plant Care

Phyllachne colensoi (Phyllachne colensoi) belongs to the Stylidiaceae family within the Phyllachne genus. Phyllachne colensoi is native to both New Zealand and Tasmania, with colonisation of the latter being a somewhat recent dispersal.

Phyllachne colensoi displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Phyllachne colensoi produces small, intricate pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Phyllachne colensoi 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.

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

Phyllachne colensoi tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Phyllachne colensoi prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Phyllachne colensoi 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 sandy soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Phyllachne colensoi is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 9b.

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.

Phyllachne colensoi can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Phyllachne colensoi 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.

Phyllachne colensoi is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Phyllachne colensoi can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.

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

Phyllachne colensoi is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats. 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.

Phyllachne colensoi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Phyllachne colensoi is native to both New Zealand and Tasmania, with colonisation of the latter being a somewhat recent dispersal.