Wissadula diffusa Plant Care

Wissadula diffusa (Wissadula diffusa) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Wissadula genus. Wissadula diffusa is native to the tropical Americas, ranging from northeastern Mexico through Central and South America to northeastern Argentina, and to Cuba.

Wissadula diffusa displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Wissadula diffusa produces small, delicate pink or white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wissadula diffusa 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.

Wissadula diffusa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Wissadula diffusa tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Wissadula diffusa prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Wissadula diffusa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Wissadula diffusa 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wissadula diffusa is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 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.

Wissadula diffusa 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 Wissadula diffusa 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.

Wissadula diffusa 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.

Wissadula diffusa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Wissadula diffusa is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

Wissadula diffusa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Wissadula diffusa is native to the tropical Americas, ranging from northeastern Mexico through Central and South America to northeastern Argentina, and to Cuba. In cooler regions, grow Wissadula diffusa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.