Madagascar rubber vine Plant Care

Madagascar rubber vine (Suregada borbonica) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Suregada genus. Madagascar rubber vine is native to Madagascar. Madagascar rubber vine is also known as Bourbon poison tree.

Madagascar rubber vine displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Madagascar rubber vine produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Madagascar rubber vine 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.

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

Suregada borbonica tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Madagascar rubber vine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Madagascar rubber vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Madagascar rubber vine 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 well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Madagascar rubber vine is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Madagascar rubber vine 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 Madagascar rubber vine 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.

Madagascar rubber vine is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Madagascar rubber vine can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coral berry plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Madagascar rubber vine is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Madagascar rubber vine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Madagascar rubber vine is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Madagascar rubber vine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.