Tabernaemontana bufalina Plant Care

Tabernaemontana bufalina (Tabernaemontana bufalina) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Tabernaemontana genus. Tabernaemontana bufalina is native to Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam.

Tabernaemontana bufalina displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tabernaemontana bufalina produces fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tabernaemontana bufalina 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.

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

Tabernaemontana bufalina tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Tabernaemontana bufalina prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Tabernaemontana bufalina to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tabernaemontana bufalina 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tabernaemontana bufalina is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Tabernaemontana bufalina can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Tabernaemontana bufalina 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.

Tabernaemontana bufalina 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.

Tabernaemontana bufalina can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african dogwood plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Tabernaemontana bufalina is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.

Tabernaemontana bufalina grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Tabernaemontana bufalina is native to Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Tabernaemontana bufalina as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.