Hawaiian rubbervine Plant Care

Hawaiian rubbervine (Psychotria gardneri) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Psychotria genus. Hawaiian rubbervine is native to Sri Lanka. Hawaiian rubbervine is also known as Kauai wild coffee.

Hawaiian rubbervine displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Hawaiian rubbervine produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hawaiian rubbervine 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.

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

Psychotria gardneri tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Hawaiian rubbervine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Hawaiian rubbervine 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 high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hawaiian rubbervine is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Hawaiian rubbervine 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 Hawaiian rubbervine 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.

Hawaiian rubbervine 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.

Hawaiian rubbervine can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to psychotria abdita plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Hawaiian rubbervine is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.

Hawaiian rubbervine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Hawaiian rubbervine is native to Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Hawaiian rubbervine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.