Cerbera floribunda, commonly known as cassowary plum, grey milkwood, or rubber tree, is a plant in the family Apocynaceae which is native to the region from Sulawesi to the Solomon Islands, including northeast Queensland.
Cassowary plum is highly resistant to disease and typically not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens generally do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. The cassowary plum is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much experience in plant care.
How to keep Cerbera Floribunda.
Light
Cassowary plum grows naturally in habitats such as forest understories and rocky areas, where it is subject to natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate both full sun and full shade, reflecting its adaptable and hardy character.
Temperature
The cassowary plum comes from tropical areas where the climate is usually warm and humid. Therefore it is adapted to high heat and moisture. It is sensitive to abrupt temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding indoor temperature swings is important. It typically cannot tolerate cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even perish.
Fertilizer
Fertilization is essential for Cassowary plum care. Regular feeding during the growing season maintains the energy needed for its showy leaves and supports overall growth. If fertilization is neglected, leaves can become unhealthy, the plant’s ornamental appeal may decline, and growth can be stunted or weak and more prone to breaking.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Cerbera
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 4.88 m to 10.06 m
- Mature Spread
- 3.05 m to 4.88 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White, Pink
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- Indonesia
