Sarcandra grandiflora Plant Care

Sarcandra grandiflora (Sarcandra grandifolia) belongs to the Chloranthaceae family within the Sarcandra genus. Sarcandra grandiflora is native to China, Japan. Sarcandra grandiflora is also known as Chang Shan, Cao Shan Hu.

Sarcandra grandiflora displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Sarcandra grandiflora produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sarcandra grandiflora 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.

Sarcandra grandiflora thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Sarcandra grandiflora in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Sarcandra grandifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Sarcandra grandiflora prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Sarcandra grandiflora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Sarcandra grandiflora 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 partial to full shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sarcandra grandiflora 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.

Sarcandra grandiflora can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Sarcandra grandiflora 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.

Sarcandra grandiflora 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.

Sarcandra grandiflora can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division of clumps, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to glory bower plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Sarcandra grandiflora 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.

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