Picralima nitida Plant Care

Picralima nitida (Picralima nitida) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Picralima genus. Picralima nitida is native to tropical Africa.

Picralima nitida displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Picralima nitida produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Picralima nitida 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.

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

Picralima nitida tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Picralima nitida prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added perlite for drainage. Good drainage is essential for Picralima nitida to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Picralima nitida 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 mix with added perlite for drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Picralima nitida is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Picralima nitida 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 Picralima nitida 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.

Picralima nitida 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.

Picralima nitida can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Picralima nitida 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.

Picralima nitida grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Picralima nitida is native to tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Picralima nitida as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.