Aucuba japonica Plant Care
Rhytidophyllum coccineum Urb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking silver-gray leaves covered in tiny red hairs, this plant originates from the mountainous regions of Ecuador and Colombia. Plant collectors are drawn to Rhytidophyllum coccineum for its unique foliage that adds a touch of elegance and texture to any garden or indoor space.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Aucuba japonica?
Water Aucuba japonica every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Aucuba japonica?
Aucuba japonica (Rhytidophyllum coccineum) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Rhytidophyllum genus. Aucuba japonica is native to Japan. Aucuba japonica is also known as Japanese laurel, Spotted laurel.
Aucuba japonica displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Aucuba japonica produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aucuba japonica?
Rhytidophyllum coccineum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Aucuba japonica Need?
Aucuba japonica thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Aucuba japonica in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aucuba japonica Prefer?
Rhytidophyllum coccineum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Aucuba japonica prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aucuba japonica?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Aucuba japonica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Aucuba japonica?
Feed Aucuba japonica every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Aucuba japonica?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Aucuba japonica?
Aucuba japonica can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ficus auriculata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Aucuba japonica Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Aucuba japonica, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Aucuba japonica?
Aucuba japonica is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Aucuba japonica Need?
Aucuba japonica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Aucuba japonica is native to Japan. In cooler regions, grow Aucuba japonica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Aucuba japonica is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Rhytidophyllum genus — compare its care with other Rhytidophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Rhytidophyllum is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Aucuba japonica thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Rhytidophyllum Species
Other Rhytidophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rhytidophyllum coccineum Urb., family Gesneriaceae (first published in Symb. Antill. 2: 385 (1901)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aucuba japonica, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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