Hawaiian Rauvolfia Plant Care

Hawaiian Rauvolfia (Rauvolfia sandwicensis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Rauvolfia genus. Hawaiian Rauvolfia is native to Hawaii.

Hawaiian Rauvolfia displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Hawaiian Rauvolfia produces small tubular white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hawaiian Rauvolfia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Hawaiian Rauvolfia thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Hawaiian Rauvolfia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

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

Feed Hawaiian Rauvolfia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hawaiian Rauvolfia is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Hawaiian Rauvolfia can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Hawaiian Rauvolfia 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 tree in one year.

Hawaiian Rauvolfia 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.

Hawaiian Rauvolfia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to snake root plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Hawaiian Rauvolfia is susceptible to aphids, 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.

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