Latifolia posoqueria Plant Care

Posoqueria latifolia (Rudge) Roem. & Schult.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Posoqueria latifolia, also known as Needle Flower Tree, is a species of shrub or tree in the family Rubiaceae native to the region spanning from Mexico to tropical South America. Its most remarkable feature is the floral tube of the white flower, which is only 2 or 3 mm wide, but up to 17 cm (6.7 in) long.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🪴Houseplants
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Latifolia posoqueria?

Plant Latifolia posoqueria in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Latifolia posoqueria Native To?

Native range11 countries

What Is the Latifolia posoqueria?

Latifolia posoqueria (Posoqueria latifolia) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Posoqueria genus. Latifolia posoqueria is native to the region spanning from Mexico to tropical South America.

Latifolia posoqueria displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Latifolia posoqueria produces fragrant white or pink tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Latifolia posoqueria?

Water a young or newly planted Latifolia posoqueria every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees 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 Latifolia posoqueria Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Latifolia posoqueria Prefer?

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

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Latifolia posoqueria?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Latifolia posoqueria?

Feed Latifolia posoqueria every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 4 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 Latifolia posoqueria?

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.

Latifolia posoqueria is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Latifolia posoqueria?

Latifolia posoqueria can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Latifolia posoqueria?

Prune Latifolia posoqueria 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 tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Latifolia posoqueria in Winter?

Latifolia posoqueria 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 Latifolia posoqueria?

Latifolia posoqueria can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild coffee plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Latifolia posoqueria Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Latifolia posoqueria, 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 Latifolia posoqueria?

Latifolia posoqueria 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Latifolia posoqueria Need?

Latifolia posoqueria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Latifolia posoqueria is native to the region spanning from Mexico to tropical South America. In cooler regions, grow Latifolia posoqueria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Latifolia posoqueria 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 Posoqueria genus — compare its care with other Posoqueria species on PlantoScan.

Posoqueria is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.

Latifolia posoqueria 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: Posoqueria latifolia (Rudge) Roem. & Schult., family Rubiaceae (first published in Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 5: 227 (1819)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Latifolia posoqueria, 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 13b, 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Latifolia posoqueria Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species