Wardia hygrometrica Plant Care

Wardia hygrometrica (Wardia hygrometrica) belongs to the Wardiaceae family within the Wardia genus. Wardia hygrometrica is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Wardia hygrometrica displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Wardia hygrometrica produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wardia hygrometrica 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.

Wardia hygrometrica thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Wardia hygrometrica in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

Loamy, well-draining soil with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Wardia hygrometrica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Wardia hygrometrica 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 to partial shade and loamy, well-draining soil with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wardia hygrometrica is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Wardia hygrometrica can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Wardia hygrometrica 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.

Wardia hygrometrica 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.

Wardia hygrometrica can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, air layering.

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

Wardia hygrometrica 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.

Wardia hygrometrica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Wardia hygrometrica is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Wardia hygrometrica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.