Tragia balfourii Plant Care

Tragia balfourii (Tragia balfourii) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Tragia genus. Tragia balfourii is native to Socotra in Yemen.

Tragia balfourii displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tragia balfourii produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tragia balfourii 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.

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

Tragia balfourii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Tragia balfourii prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tragia balfourii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tragia balfourii 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 sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tragia balfourii 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.

Tragia balfourii 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 Tragia balfourii 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.

Tragia balfourii 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.

Tragia balfourii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tragia cordata plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Tragia balfourii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Tragia balfourii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Tragia balfourii is native to Socotra in Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Tragia balfourii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.