Hygrometric Guayacan Plant Care

Porlieria hygrometra Ruiz & Pav.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Porlieria hygrometra is a species of evergreen shrub in the family Zygophyllaceae. It grows to about 2 metres in height, and is native to Bolivia and Peru.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–85°F

Humidity

30–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Hygrometric Guayacan?

Plant Hygrometric Guayacan in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Hygrometric Guayacan Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Hygrometric Guayacan?

Hygrometric Guayacan (Porlieria hygrometra) belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family within the Porlieria genus. Hygrometric Guayacan is native to Bolivia and Peru. Hygrometric Guayacan is also known as Hygrometric Spakewood.

Hygrometric Guayacan displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Hygrometric Guayacan produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Hygrometric Guayacan?

Water a young or newly planted Hygrometric Guayacan every 7–14 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 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Hygrometric Guayacan Need?

Hygrometric Guayacan thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hygrometric Guayacan Prefer?

Porlieria hygrometra tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Hygrometric Guayacan prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Temperature

50–85°F

Humidity

30–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hygrometric Guayacan?

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added gravel for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Hygrometric Guayacan to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Hygrometric Guayacan?

Feed Hygrometric Guayacan 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 Hygrometric Guayacan?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added gravel for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hygrometric Guayacan is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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 Hygrometric Guayacan?

Hygrometric Guayacan can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 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 Hygrometric Guayacan?

Prune Hygrometric Guayacan 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 Hygrometric Guayacan in Winter?

Hygrometric Guayacan is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). 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 Hygrometric Guayacan?

Hygrometric Guayacan can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to texas olive plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Hygrometric Guayacan Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Hygrometric Guayacan, 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 Hygrometric Guayacan?

Hygrometric Guayacan 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 Hygrometric Guayacan Need?

Hygrometric Guayacan grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hygrometric Guayacan is native to Bolivia and Peru. In cooler regions, grow Hygrometric Guayacan as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Hygrometric Guayacan 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 Porlieria genus — compare its care with other Porlieria species on PlantoScan.

Porlieria is part of the Zygophyllaceae plant family — browse all Zygophyllaceae genera and species.

Hygrometric Guayacan 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: Porlieria hygrometra Ruiz & Pav., family Zygophyllaceae (first published in Fl. Peruv. 4: t. 343 (1821)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hygrometric Guayacan, 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 12a, 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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