Leea
leea guineensis
Also known as: ["Guinea vine","Leea vine"]
Overview
A tropical shrub with large, glossy leaves and clusters of small, pinkish-white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Vitales |
| Family: | Leeaceae |
| Genus: | Leea |
| Botanical Name: | Leea guineensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or sheltered outdoor garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry environments to maintain humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter and perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if plant is overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid placing near west-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix with good water retention but fast drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warm, stable conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from drafty areas; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with at least two nodes; air layering is also effective for larger stems.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem.
- Cut below node.
- Apply hormone.
- Place in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or coarse sand.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots may appear in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture; check for roots after 3 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut just above a leaf node or bud; thin out crowded stems to improve light penetration.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushier form and improve air circulation.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/damaged growth; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growth phase begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil health.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky materials.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold stress), leaf drop (heat stress), stunted growth (extremes).
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, and dehydration even if soil is moist due to rapid transpiration.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; stop in dormant season.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; cease in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that consume Leea guineensis berries may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The toxic effects are generally limited to digestive discomfort, with no severe systemic toxicity reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Leea guineensis berries by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive tract, causing discomfort but typically not posing a serious health risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLeea guineensis berries contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system, with no severe systemic effects reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much sunlight does Leea guineensis need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but prefers protection from intense afternoon sun.
Q: Is Leea guineensis suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant due to its size and tropical requirements, but can be grown indoors in a large container with bright, indirect light.
Q: How often should I water Leea guineensis?
A: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Leeaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered ligh |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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