Raiatea sclerotheca Plant Care

Raiatea sclerotheca (Sclerotheca raiateensis) belongs to the Campanulaceae family within the Sclerotheca genus. Raiatea sclerotheca is native to the island of Raiatea in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.

Raiatea sclerotheca displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Raiatea sclerotheca produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Raiatea sclerotheca 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.

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

Sclerotheca raiateensis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Raiatea sclerotheca prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Raiatea sclerotheca to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Raiatea sclerotheca every 8 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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Raiatea sclerotheca is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Raiatea sclerotheca 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 Raiatea sclerotheca 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.

Raiatea sclerotheca is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Raiatea sclerotheca can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

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

Raiatea sclerotheca is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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.

Raiatea sclerotheca grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Raiatea sclerotheca is native to the island of Raiatea in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. In cooler regions, grow Raiatea sclerotheca as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.