Placospermum coriaceum Plant Care

Placospermum coriaceum C.T.White & W.D.Francis

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Placospermum is a genus of a single species of large trees, constituting part of the plant family Proteaceae. The species Placospermum coriaceum is endemic to the rainforests of the wet tropics region of northeastern Queensland, Australia.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Placospermum coriaceum?

Plant Placospermum coriaceum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Placospermum coriaceum Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Placospermum coriaceum?

Placospermum coriaceum (Placospermum coriaceum) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Placospermum genus. Placospermum coriaceum is native to the rainforests of the wet tropics region of northeastern Queensland, Australia.

Placospermum coriaceum displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Placospermum coriaceum produces showy clusters of pink, red, or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Placospermum coriaceum?

Water a young or newly planted Placospermum coriaceum 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Placospermum coriaceum Need?

Placospermum coriaceum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Placospermum coriaceum Prefer?

Placospermum coriaceum tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Placospermum coriaceum 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 Placospermum coriaceum?

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Placospermum coriaceum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Placospermum coriaceum?

Feed Placospermum coriaceum 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Placospermum coriaceum?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Placospermum coriaceum 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Placospermum coriaceum?

Placospermum coriaceum can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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.

How Do You Prune a Placospermum coriaceum?

Prune Placospermum coriaceum 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.

How Do You Care for a Placospermum coriaceum in Winter?

Placospermum coriaceum 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.

How Do You Propagate a Placospermum coriaceum?

Placospermum coriaceum can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.

Is the Placospermum coriaceum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Placospermum coriaceum, 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 Placospermum coriaceum?

Placospermum coriaceum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Placospermum coriaceum Need?

Placospermum coriaceum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Placospermum coriaceum is native to the rainforests of the wet tropics region of northeastern Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Placospermum coriaceum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Placospermum coriaceum 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 Placospermum genus — compare its care with other Placospermum species on PlantoScan.

Placospermum is part of the Proteaceae plant family — browse all Proteaceae genera and species.

Placospermum coriaceum 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: Placospermum coriaceum C.T.White & W.D.Francis, family Proteaceae (first published in Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 35: 79 (1923)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Placospermum coriaceum, 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.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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