Bartram's Commersonia
commersonia bartramia
Also known as: ["Bartram's Commersonia","Native Mulberry"]
Overview
A small tree or shrub native to Australia, known for its glossy leaves and small, yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Commersonia |
| Botanical Name: | Commersonia bartramia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: sheltered garden bed or container in a partially shaded area
- Suitable For:
- 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: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning annually or after flowering; major pruning every 2–3 years.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed.
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 harsh afternoon sun, adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun.
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
well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers 18–28°C; tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, humid conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 6–8 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with a node, or seed propagation.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot within 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant, encourage bushier growth, remove dead or diseased parts.
Tools
Sharp pruners, clean shears, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune deadwood first, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, use fresh soil, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid leaf wetting.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply slowly to ensure even saturation, continue until water drains freely, avoid wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during growing season; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, provide frost protection, reduce watering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute correctly, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; cease in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCommersonia bartramia is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicCommersonia bartramia is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicCommersonia bartramia is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It has no reported adverse effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Commersonia bartramia toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How tall does Commersonia bartramia grow?
A: It typically grows to a height of 3-8 meters, depending on conditions.
Q: Does Commersonia bartramia attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and foliage.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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