Sarcolaena codonochlamys Plant Care
Sarcolaena codonochlamys Baker
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This rare plant from Madagascar is easily recognizable by its large, glossy, dark green leaves with prominent white veins. Sarcolaena codonochlamys is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and exotic origin, making it a prized addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sarcolaena codonochlamys?
Plant Sarcolaena codonochlamys in partial shade to full shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Sarcolaena codonochlamys Native To?
What Is the Sarcolaena codonochlamys?
Sarcolaena codonochlamys (Sarcolaena codonochlamys) belongs to the Sarcolaenaceae family within the Sarcolaena genus. Sarcolaena codonochlamys is native to Madagascar.
Sarcolaena codonochlamys displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Sarcolaena codonochlamys produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sarcolaena codonochlamys?
Water a young or newly planted Sarcolaena codonochlamys 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Sarcolaena codonochlamys Need?
Sarcolaena codonochlamys thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Sarcolaena codonochlamys in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sarcolaena codonochlamys Prefer?
Sarcolaena codonochlamys tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Sarcolaena codonochlamys prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sarcolaena codonochlamys?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Sarcolaena codonochlamys to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sarcolaena codonochlamys?
Feed Sarcolaena codonochlamys 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Sarcolaena codonochlamys?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Sarcolaena codonochlamys 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Sarcolaena codonochlamys?
Sarcolaena codonochlamys 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.
How Do You Prune a Sarcolaena codonochlamys?
Prune Sarcolaena codonochlamys 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.
How Do You Care for a Sarcolaena codonochlamys in Winter?
Sarcolaena codonochlamys 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.
How Do You Propagate a Sarcolaena codonochlamys?
Sarcolaena codonochlamys can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sarcolaena delphinensis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sarcolaena codonochlamys Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sarcolaena codonochlamys, 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 Sarcolaena codonochlamys?
Sarcolaena codonochlamys is susceptible to aphids, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sarcolaena codonochlamys Need?
Sarcolaena codonochlamys grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Sarcolaena codonochlamys is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Sarcolaena codonochlamys as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Sarcolaena codonochlamys 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 Sarcolaena genus — compare its care with other Sarcolaena species on PlantoScan.
Sarcolaena is part of the Sarcolaenaceae plant family — browse all Sarcolaenaceae genera and species.
Sarcolaena codonochlamys copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sarcolaena codonochlamys Baker, family Sarcolaenaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1893: 11 (1893)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sarcolaena codonochlamys, 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 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
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