Inkberry Plant Care

Inkberry (Randia aculeata) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Randia genus. Inkberry is native to Florida, Bermuda, the Bahamas, else. Inkberry is also known as Blackberry, West Indian Holly, Seven-Barks.

Inkberry displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Inkberry produces fragrant white star-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Inkberry 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.

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

Randia aculeata tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Inkberry 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 content. Good drainage is essential for Inkberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Inkberry 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 content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Inkberry is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

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.

Inkberry 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 Inkberry 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.

Inkberry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Inkberry can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to carlos' gardenia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Inkberry 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.

Inkberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Inkberry is native to Florida, Bermuda, the Bahamas, else. In cooler regions, grow Inkberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.