Dolphin Island rondeletia Plant Care

Dolphin Island rondeletia (Rondeletia dolphinensis) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Rondeletia genus. Dolphin Island rondeletia is native to Jamaica. Dolphin Island rondeletia is also known as Fiji rondeletia.

Dolphin Island rondeletia displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dolphin Island rondeletia produces showy clusters of small, tubular flowers in various colors like pink, red, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dolphin Island rondeletia 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.

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

Rondeletia dolphinensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Dolphin Island rondeletia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Dolphin Island rondeletia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dolphin Island rondeletia 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 added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dolphin Island rondeletia is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Dolphin Island rondeletia 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 Dolphin Island rondeletia 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.

Dolphin Island rondeletia 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.

Dolphin Island rondeletia can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to adamsii rondeletia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Dolphin Island rondeletia 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.

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