Brown Myrtle Plant Care

Brown Myrtle (Rhodamnia cinerea) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Rhodamnia genus. Brown Myrtle is also known as Malletwood.

Brown Myrtle displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Brown Myrtle produces small, white, fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Brown Myrtle 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.

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

Rhodamnia cinerea tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Brown Myrtle prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Brown Myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Brown Myrtle 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 well-draining acidic soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Brown Myrtle 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.

Brown Myrtle 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 Brown Myrtle 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.

Brown Myrtle 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.

Brown Myrtle can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to silver water myrtle plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Brown Myrtle 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.

Brown Myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Brown Myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.