Saurauia merrillii Plant Care

Saurauia merrillii (Saurauia merrillii) belongs to the Actinidiaceae family within the Saurauia genus. Saurauia merrillii is native to the Philippines.

Saurauia merrillii displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Saurauia merrillii produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Saurauia merrillii every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

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

Saurauia merrillii tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Saurauia merrillii 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 Saurauia merrillii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Saurauia merrillii every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Saurauia merrillii is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Saurauia merrillii can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Saurauia merrillii 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 tree in one year.

Saurauia merrillii 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.

Saurauia merrillii can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pundu's sauraia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Saurauia merrillii 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.

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