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psychotria cupularis

Also known as: []

Family: Rubiaceae Genus: Psychotria Category: Flowers

Overview

A species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical regions.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Psychotria
Botanical Name: Psychotria cupularis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a humid room with bright, indirect light
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: unknown
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile potting mix with peat, perlite, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: unknown
  • Toughness Level: unknown
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 2–3 months; major pruning annually in late winter or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to new light conditions; place in a spot with filtered light; move outdoor plants to shade during peak sun hours.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
unknown

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to dappled light

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; monitor for leaf burn.

Watering

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

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; ensure good drainage; avoid letting the plant sit in water.

Soil

well-draining, rich, organic potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates slight fluctuations but avoid drafts or extreme heat/cold.

Avoid placing near drafty windows or vents; maintain stable temperatures; monitor with a thermometer.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growing season (spring and summer)

Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing which can burn roots; apply after watering.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting with at least two nodes.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone powder or liquid can be used to encourage faster root development.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; new growth may take an additional 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or leggy stems.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased parts; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before the growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; use fresh potting mix to replenish nutrients.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water evenly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when 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; use a pH tester to adjust acidity.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting; stunted growth; buds failing to open.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; use a space heater if necessary; insulate pots with bubble wrap.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop due to excessive transpiration and dehydration.

Solution: Increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; provide shade; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

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

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Psychotria cupularis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Psychotria cupularis can be caused by water stress, either due to under- or overwatering, or root damage from pests or pathogens, leading to reduced water uptake.

Leaf spots on Psychotria cupularis may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop if the infection is severe.

Rotting in Psychotria cupularis is often associated with root or stem rot caused by overwatering or fungal pathogens, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are sensitive to alkaloids, and ingestion of Psychotria cupularis berries may cause mild gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. While generally not severe, ingestion should be prevented to avoid potential distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea tremors
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing berries. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Psychotria cupularis berries may result in mild gastrointestinal upset and mild neurological symptoms due to the presence of alkaloids. While not typically life-threatening, ingestion should be avoided to prevent discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep berries out of reach of dogs. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Psychotria cupularis contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects when ingested in significant quantities. The berries are the primary toxic parts, and their consumption may lead to discomfort without posing severe systemic toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea dizziness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of berries. Keep away from 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 Psychotria cupularis toxic to pets?

A: Unknown, specific toxicity data is not available.

Q: What are the care requirements for Psychotria cupularis?

A: Unknown, detailed care information is not available.

Q: Does Psychotria cupularis have any medicinal uses?

A: Unknown, specific uses are not documented.

Quick Reference
Family: Rubiaceae
Care: unknown
Light: partial shade to dappled light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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