Xerochlamys bojeriana Plant Care
Xerochlamys bojeriana (Baill.) F.Gérard
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most striking visual feature is its thick, waxy leaves that are a vibrant shade of green. Originating from the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, Xerochlamys bojeriana is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rarity and unique appearance in tropical gardens.
Every 10–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Xerochlamys bojeriana?
Plant Xerochlamys bojeriana in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 10–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Xerochlamys bojeriana Native To?
What Is the Xerochlamys bojeriana?
Xerochlamys bojeriana (Xerochlamys bojeriana) belongs to the Sarcolaenaceae family within the Xerochlamys genus. Xerochlamys bojeriana is native to Madagascar.
Xerochlamys bojeriana displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Xerochlamys bojeriana produces small, star-shaped white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Xerochlamys bojeriana?
Water a young or newly planted Xerochlamys bojeriana every 10–14 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 10–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Xerochlamys bojeriana Need?
Xerochlamys bojeriana thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Xerochlamys bojeriana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Xerochlamys bojeriana Prefer?
Xerochlamys bojeriana tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Xerochlamys bojeriana prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Xerochlamys bojeriana?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Xerochlamys bojeriana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Xerochlamys bojeriana?
Feed Xerochlamys bojeriana 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 Xerochlamys bojeriana?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Xerochlamys bojeriana 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Xerochlamys bojeriana?
Xerochlamys bojeriana can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Xerochlamys bojeriana?
Prune Xerochlamys bojeriana 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 Xerochlamys bojeriana in Winter?
Xerochlamys bojeriana 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 Xerochlamys bojeriana?
Xerochlamys bojeriana can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Xerochlamys bojeriana Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Xerochlamys bojeriana, 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 Xerochlamys bojeriana?
Xerochlamys bojeriana is susceptible to mealybugs, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Xerochlamys bojeriana Need?
Xerochlamys bojeriana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Xerochlamys bojeriana is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Xerochlamys bojeriana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Xerochlamys bojeriana 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 Xerochlamys genus — compare its care with other Xerochlamys species on PlantoScan.
Xerochlamys is part of the Sarcolaenaceae plant family — browse all Sarcolaenaceae genera and species.
Xerochlamys bojeriana thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Xerochlamys bojeriana (Baill.) F.Gérard, family Sarcolaenaceae (first published in Compt. Rend. Assoc. Franç. Avancem. Sci. 43: 406 (1914 publ. 1915)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Xerochlamys bojeriana, 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 13a, 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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