White Casearia

casearia sylvestris

Also known as: ["Casearia sylvestris Sw.","Swartz's Casearia"]

Family: Salicaceae Genus: Casearia Category: Trees

Overview

A tropical tree native to the Americas, known for its simple leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Casearia
Botanical Name: Casearia sylvestris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot with partial shade
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun to avoid scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, fertile loam with organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, stable conditions.

Protect from sudden temperature drops; maintain stable conditions; avoid placing near heating/cooling vents.

Fertilizing

every 2 months during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in spring/summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm (70–75°F), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or sand.

Hormone

Recommended to promote root development.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, plastic wrap or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective cutting of stems; pinch back tips for bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Shape plant, remove dead/diseased growth, encourage bushier form.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased parts; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; increase diameter by 2–3 inches.

Method

Use fresh well-draining soil; trim rootbound roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Check root boundness; prepare new pot; 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 morning to reduce evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
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 organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, yellowing, or stunted growth in extreme cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; vulnerable to frost damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow due to heat stress.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.

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

Yellowing leaves in Casearia sylvestris may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Casearia sylvestris can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering leading to root rot, or by pest infestations that damage the vascular system.

Leaf spots on Casearia sylvestris are often caused by fungal or bacterial infections, which can lead to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic capacity if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Casearia sylvestris due to excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of the root system and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that ingest parts of Casearia sylvestris may experience mild gastrointestinal issues. The plant poses a low risk to cats but ingestion should be avoided.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant away from cats. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Casearia sylvestris by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic to dogs but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets closely if they have access to the plant. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Casearia sylvestris contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other mild symptoms upon ingestion. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be uncomfortable.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consumption of leaves and fruits. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Casearia sylvestris toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data to determine toxicity to pets.

Q: How tall does Casearia sylvestris grow?

A: It can grow up to 15 meters tall in its natural habitat.

Q: Does Casearia sylvestris produce flowers?

A: Yes, it produces small, greenish-white flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Salicaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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