Canary Island plocama Plant Care

Canary Island plocama (Plocama thymoides) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Plocama genus. Canary Island plocama is native to the island of Socotra in Yemen. Canary Island plocama is also known as thyme broom.

Canary Island plocama displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Canary Island plocama produces small, tubular white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Canary Island plocama 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.

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

Plocama thymoides tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Canary Island plocama prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Canary Island plocama to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Canary Island plocama 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, acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Canary Island plocama is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Canary Island plocama 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.

Prune Canary Island plocama 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.

Canary Island plocama is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Canary Island plocama can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pendulous plocama plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Canary Island plocama is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Canary Island plocama grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Canary Island plocama is native to the island of Socotra in Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Canary Island plocama as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.