Wikstroemia clementis Plant Care

Wikstroemia clementis Merr.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its striking variegated leaves, Wikstroemia clementis is a beautiful shrub native to Japan. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique foliage pattern, featuring shades of green and white that provide a stunning contrast in any garden setting.

🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Wikstroemia clementis?

Plant Wikstroemia clementis in bright indirect light (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Wikstroemia clementis Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Wikstroemia clementis?

Wikstroemia clementis (Wikstroemia clementis) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Wikstroemia genus. Wikstroemia clementis is native to Sumatra and Borneo.

Wikstroemia clementis displays a compact, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Wikstroemia clementis produces small, fragrant yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Wikstroemia clementis?

Water a young or newly planted Wikstroemia clementis 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Wikstroemia clementis Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wikstroemia clementis Prefer?

Wikstroemia clementis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Wikstroemia clementis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wikstroemia clementis?

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Wikstroemia clementis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Wikstroemia clementis?

Feed Wikstroemia clementis 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Wikstroemia clementis?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wikstroemia clementis is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Wikstroemia clementis?

Wikstroemia clementis 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.

How Do You Prune a Wikstroemia clementis?

Prune Wikstroemia clementis 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.

How Do You Care for a Wikstroemia clementis in Winter?

Wikstroemia clementis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Wikstroemia clementis?

Wikstroemia clementis can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering.

Is the Wikstroemia clementis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Wikstroemia clementis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wikstroemia clementis?

Wikstroemia clementis is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wikstroemia clementis Need?

Wikstroemia clementis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Wikstroemia clementis is native to Sumatra and Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Wikstroemia clementis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Wikstroemia clementis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Wikstroemia genus — compare its care with other Wikstroemia species on PlantoScan.

Wikstroemia is part of the Thymelaeaceae plant family — browse all Thymelaeaceae genera and species.

Wikstroemia clementis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Wikstroemia clementis Merr., family Thymelaeaceae (first published in J. Straits Branch Roy. Asiat. Soc. 76: 99 (1917)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wikstroemia clementis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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