Short Ricinocarpos Plant Care

Short Ricinocarpos (Ricinocarpos brevis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Ricinocarpos genus. Short Ricinocarpos is native to inland Western Australia.

Short Ricinocarpos displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Short Ricinocarpos produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Short Ricinocarpos 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.

Short Ricinocarpos thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Ricinocarpos brevis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Short Ricinocarpos prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Short Ricinocarpos 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Short Ricinocarpos 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.

Short Ricinocarpos can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 Short Ricinocarpos 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.

Short Ricinocarpos 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.

Short Ricinocarpos can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bowman's ricinocarpos plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Short Ricinocarpos 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.

Short Ricinocarpos grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Short Ricinocarpos is native to inland Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Short Ricinocarpos as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.