Styloceras laurifolium Plant Care

Styloceras laurifolium (Styloceras laurifolium) belongs to the Buxaceae family within the Styloceras genus. Styloceras laurifolium is native to South America.

Styloceras laurifolium displays a compact, slow-growing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Styloceras laurifolium produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Styloceras laurifolium 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.

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

Styloceras laurifolium tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Styloceras laurifolium prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Styloceras laurifolium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Styloceras laurifolium 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 loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Styloceras laurifolium 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.

Styloceras laurifolium can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Styloceras laurifolium 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.

Styloceras laurifolium 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.

Styloceras laurifolium can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to styloceras kunthianum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Styloceras laurifolium 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.

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