Sarcotheca macrophylla Plant Care

Sarcotheca macrophylla (Sarcotheca macrophylla) belongs to the Oxalidaceae family within the Sarcotheca genus.

Sarcotheca macrophylla displays a low rosette, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Sarcotheca macrophylla produces small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sarcotheca macrophylla every 5–7 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.

Sarcotheca macrophylla thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Sarcotheca macrophylla in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Sarcotheca macrophylla tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Sarcotheca macrophylla prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Sarcotheca macrophylla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Sarcotheca macrophylla 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 shade to full shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sarcotheca macrophylla 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.

Sarcotheca macrophylla can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Sarcotheca macrophylla 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.

Sarcotheca macrophylla 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.

Sarcotheca macrophylla can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sarcotheca diversifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Sarcotheca macrophylla 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.

Sarcotheca macrophylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Sarcotheca macrophylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.