Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys Plant Care
Xerochlamys undulata Hong-Wa
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique wavy leaves make it easily recognizable. Originally from South Africa, Xerochlamys undulata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and unusual growth habit. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs also make it a desirable addition to any collection.
Every 10–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys?
Plant Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 10–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys Native To?
What Is the Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys?
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys (Xerochlamys undulata) belongs to the Sarcolaenaceae family within the Xerochlamys genus. Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys is native to Madagascar. Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys is also known as Undulating Xerochlamys.
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys produces small, star-shaped white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys?
Water a young or newly planted Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys every 10–14 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 10–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys Need?
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys Prefer?
Xerochlamys undulata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys?
Feed Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys 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 Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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 Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys?
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys?
Prune Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys 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 Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys in Winter?
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys 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.
How Do You Propagate a Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys?
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to xerochlamys diospyroidea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys, 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 Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys?
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys is susceptible to mealybugs, 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 Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys Need?
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys 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 Xerochlamys genus — compare its care with other Xerochlamys species on PlantoScan.
Xerochlamys is part of the Sarcolaenaceae plant family — browse all Sarcolaenaceae genera and species.
Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys 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: Xerochlamys undulata Hong-Wa, family Sarcolaenaceae (first published in Adansonia , sér. 3, 31: 333 (2009)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wavy-leaved Xerochlamys, 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 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
