Vallesia antillana Plant Care

Vallesia antillana (Vallesia antillana) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Vallesia genus. Vallesia antillana is native to Everglades National Park.

Vallesia antillana displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Vallesia antillana produces small white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Vallesia antillana 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.

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

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

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

Feed Vallesia antillana 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 organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Vallesia antillana 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.

Vallesia antillana can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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 Vallesia antillana 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.

Vallesia antillana 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.

Vallesia antillana can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white sage plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Vallesia antillana is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Vallesia antillana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Vallesia antillana is native to Everglades National Park. In cooler regions, grow Vallesia antillana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.