Mammee Bush
psychotria nervosa
Also known as: ["Mammee Bush","Mammee Wood"]
Overview
A tropical shrub native to the Caribbean and Central America, known for its dense foliage and small, white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Psychotria |
| Botanical Name: | Psychotria nervosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or shaded outdoor garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with organic matter, such as peat or compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 2–3 months; major pruning annually or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed for shaping or rejuvenation.
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 sun to prevent scorching, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered light
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); thrives in warm, stable conditions with slight cooling in winter.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain stable temperatures; adjust care based on seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer)
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below node, remove lower leaves, place in medium, maintain moisture and warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional root hormone application.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may take 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, container, water or soil medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness, cut just above leaf nodes, remove crossing or weak stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead/damaged parts.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune during active growth, remove dead/diseased parts, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the main growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; promotes fresh soil and root health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil mix, 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, ensure even moisture distribution, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
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 components.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud drop indicate temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, and increase susceptibility to pests/diseases.
Solution: Protect from drafts, maintain consistent warmth, use a space heater if needed, avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat leads to wilting, leaf scorch, and dehydration, even with adequate water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, ensure proper watering, use cooling fans if necessary.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest the berries of Psychotria nervosa may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The toxic effects are generally limited to digestive discomfort, with no significant systemic toxicity reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of the berries of Psychotria nervosa may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive tract, causing discomfort but not typically leading to severe systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Psychotria nervosa contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and discomfort 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: Is Psychotria nervosa toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How often should I water Psychotria nervosa?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Psychotria nervosa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and habitat.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered ligh |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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