Quinchamalium chilense Plant Care

Quinchamalium chilense (Quinchamalium chilense) belongs to the Schoepfiaceae family within the Quinchamalium genus. Quinchamalium chilense is native to Chile, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia.

Quinchamalium chilense displays a low shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Quinchamalium chilense produces small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Quinchamalium chilense every 7–14 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.

Quinchamalium chilense thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Quinchamalium chilense in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Quinchamalium chilense tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Quinchamalium chilense prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Quinchamalium chilense to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Quinchamalium chilense every 8 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 to full shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Quinchamalium chilense 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.

Quinchamalium chilense can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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 Quinchamalium chilense 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.

Quinchamalium chilense 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.

Quinchamalium chilense can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Quinchamalium chilense 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.

Quinchamalium chilense grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Quinchamalium chilense is native to Chile, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Quinchamalium chilense as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.