Clusia rosea in the ground
Clusia rosea in pot
Clusia rosea hemi epiphyte
Clusia rosea flower
Inscription feuilles Clusia rosea
Variegated foliage Clusia rosea
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Clusia rosea, the autograph tree
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
In the rainforests of America, from Florida to Venezuela, lives a plant with magical powers: Clusia rosea. Its roots can kill and its leaves can preserve your memories.
How to recognize Clusia rosea?
Clusia rosea is a slender tree. Taller than the clusia rosea, it grows to over ten meters when planted in the ground and in a favorable climate. It reaches three meters at best when grown indoors and in pots.
Clusia rosea is a hemi-epiphytic plant. In its native forests, it grows on a host tree, which it eventually strangles with its aerial roots.
The tough, oval leaves measure up to 20 centimetres long. Foliage is usually bright, plain green. However, there are also specimens and hybrids with light green or even white variegated blades.
Clusia rosea is sometimes called the autograph tree. Indeed, if you write or draw on its leaves with a pointed object, the trace remains visible on the leaf blade. The leaf does not fall off and continues to grow.
Flowering takes place in summer, when the weather is warm and humid. Corollas of up to eight centimetres in diameter bloom. Creamy white or off-white, the petals have a pink center.
Clusia rosea produces a fleshy, light-green fruit. Its seeds are the delight of certain birds and wild animals.
But don't imitate them! The plant is toxic to humans and most domestic animals. Its fruit and contact with the sap cause skin irritation and vomiting.
Our maintenance tips
Clusia rosea are resistant to forgotten watering, but not to over-watering. Before watering, make sure the soil is dry. Also, choose a pierced terracotta pot rather than a plastic one, so that moisture doesn't accumulate at the bottom of the pot.
Watering
Before watering, make sure the substrate is two or three centimetres dry by dipping your fingers into the soil. If this is the case, moisten the root ball with non-calcareous water at room temperature.
To avoid drowning the roots, don't leave stagnant water in the dish.
Spray
Spray foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. In addition to increasing humidity, misting prevents the appearance of undesirable insects.
Repotting
Every spring, repot your Clusia rosea to give it more space.
Choose a pierced pot one size larger than the previous one. Pour a drainage layer (clay balls or gravel) in the bottom.
Add a layer of potting soil for green plants. Plant your Clusia rosea in the center. Top up with substrate.
Tamp and water to encourage rooting.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Clusia rosea, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Add nutrients with a green plant fertilizer.
Prune
You are not obliged to trim your Clusia rosea. However, you can shorten the tops of stems or branches to control its growth and shape.
Always use a sharp, clean tool to promote healing and avoid spreading disease.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Remove a lateral stem of about fifteen centimeters with clean, sharp pruning shears. The plant is toxic. Wear gloves during the operation and wash your hands afterwards.
Remove the leaves at the bottom and keep only one or two pairs at the top. You can dip the tip in cutting hormone to increase your chances of success.
In a pierced pot, pour a drainage layer (clay balls or gravel, for example).
Add potting soil for seedlings and plantations. Plant your graft in the substrate. To help you, you can use a pen to make a pilot hole.
Water for the first time to eliminate air bubbles and encourage rooting.
Diseases / Threats
Information
| Family | Clusiaceae - Clusiaceae |
| Type | Clusier - Clusia |
| Species | Clusia rosea - Clusia rosea |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposures | |
| Substrat | |
| Planting methods |
In pots In tubs |
| Categories | |
| Tags |
Beginner Large pot Toxic |
| Origins |
North America Central America South America |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 11a |
| Leaf color |
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| Flower colors |
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| Fruit color |
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