Red Leea
leea rubra
Also known as: ["Red Leea","Leea rubra"]
Overview
A tropical shrub with striking red flowers and large, glossy leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Vitales |
| Family: | Leeaceae |
| Genus: | Leea |
| Botanical Name: | Leea rubra |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor sheltered garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry indoor environments, rarely needed outdoors
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; major pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if necessary, but avoid excessive pruning in a single
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 the plant gradually to direct sunlight if moving from indoors; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust light exposure based on indoor vs. outdoor placement.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing to every 14–21 days in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
rich, well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a pot with drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; check moisture before watering.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in humid environments; avoid exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Keep away from drafty windows or doors; maintain consistent room temperature; monitor humidity levels.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer, none in winter
Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; choose a fertilizer with micronutrients for optimal growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with at least two nodes; air layering is also effective for larger plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem, cut below a node, apply rooting hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), and indirect light are ideal.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to encourage faster root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth typically appears after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; maintain high humidity with a plastic dome; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove leggy or crossing stems to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged foliage.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune selectively, remove dead/damaged growth, clean up debris, monitor for new growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring is the best time to repot, as the plant is entering its active growth phase.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and allow to settle before fertilizing.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide more space for growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, position plant correctly, water well, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
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 coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges indicate temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or death; prolonged cold exposure may lead to root rot.
Solution: Move the plant to a warmer location; protect from drafts; use a space heater if necessary; ensure soil is not overly wet.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or dehydration; high temperatures combined with low humidity stress the plant.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they consume parts of Leea rubra. The plant's leaves and stems contain irritants that can affect the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Leea rubra can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds in the leaves and stems may cause irritation to the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLeea rubra contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's leaves and stems are the primary toxic parts, containing irritants that affect the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Leea rubra toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How often should I water Leea rubra?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Leea rubra require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Leeaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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