Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis Plant Care

Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis (Tocoyena costanensis subsp. costanensis) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Tocoyena genus. Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis is native to Brazil, Colombia. Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis is also known as Tocoyena costanensis subsp. microphylla.

Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis 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.

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

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

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis 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, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis 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.

Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis 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 Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis 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.

Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis 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.

Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow tortoiseberry plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Tocoyena costanensis var. costanensis 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.

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