Australian brush cherry Plant Care

Australian brush cherry (Psychotria grantii) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Psychotria genus. Australian brush cherry is native to the island of Tahiti in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Australian brush cherry is also known as Scarlett star.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Australian brush cherry 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.

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

Psychotria grantii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Australian brush cherry 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 Australian brush cherry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Australian brush cherry 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.

Australian brush cherry 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.

Australian brush cherry 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 Australian brush cherry 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.

Australian brush cherry 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.

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

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

Australian brush cherry 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.

Australian brush cherry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Australian brush cherry is native to the island of Tahiti in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. In cooler regions, grow Australian brush cherry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.