False boxwood Plant Care

False boxwood (Pseudoxandra pilosa) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Pseudoxandra genus. False boxwood is native to Brazil, Venezuela.

False boxwood displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. False boxwood produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted False boxwood 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.

False boxwood thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Pseudoxandra pilosa tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. False boxwood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for False boxwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed False boxwood 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 rich, well-draining soil with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

False boxwood is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

False boxwood can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 False boxwood 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.

False boxwood 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.

False boxwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pseudoxandra leiophylla plant care, which shares the same genus.

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False boxwood is susceptible to 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.

False boxwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. False boxwood is native to Brazil, Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow False boxwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.