Coccinea Portlandia Plant Care

Coccinea Portlandia (Portlandia coccinea) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Portlandia genus. Coccinea Portlandia is native to Jamaica.

Coccinea Portlandia displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Coccinea Portlandia produces fragrant white flowers with long tubular petals.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Coccinea Portlandia 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.

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

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

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Coccinea Portlandia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Coccinea Portlandia 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 rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Coccinea Portlandia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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.

Coccinea Portlandia can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 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 Coccinea Portlandia 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.

Coccinea Portlandia 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.

Coccinea Portlandia can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wedding lily plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Coccinea Portlandia 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.

Coccinea Portlandia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Coccinea Portlandia is native to Jamaica. In cooler regions, grow Coccinea Portlandia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.