Prionostemma aspera Plant Care

Prionostemma aspera (Prionostemma aspera) belongs to the Celastraceae family within the Prionostemma genus. Prionostemma aspera is native to the tropical Americas, native from Nayarit in western Mexico to Honduras, and from Costa Rica through northern South America to Bolivia and Northeastern Brazil.

Prionostemma aspera displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Prionostemma aspera produces small clusters of white, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Prionostemma aspera 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.

Prionostemma aspera thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Prionostemma aspera tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Prionostemma aspera prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Prionostemma aspera to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Prionostemma aspera 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Prionostemma aspera 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.

Prionostemma aspera 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 Prionostemma aspera 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.

Prionostemma aspera 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.

Prionostemma aspera can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Prionostemma aspera 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.

Prionostemma aspera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Prionostemma aspera is native to the tropical Americas, native from Nayarit in western Mexico to Honduras, and from Costa Rica through northern South America to Bolivia and Northeastern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Prionostemma aspera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.