Psydrax odorata, known as alaheʻe in Hawaiian, is a species of flowering shrub or small tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. It is native to the Pacific Islands, New Guinea and Australia.
Alahe'e shows strong resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Alahe'et is suitable for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not require much experience in plant care.
How to keep Psydrax Odorata.
Light
Alahe'e is originally found in habitats like forest understories or stony terrains, locations that provide it with natural shade. It ideally favors partial sun, however, it has the ability to adjust to full sun or complete shade, proving its adaptable and resilient character.
Water
Alahe'e is a plant native to the dry forests of Hawaii, and it thrives in environments with occasional moisture, preferring drier soils. To avoid overwatering, it should be watered every 2-3 weeks. As an outdoor plant, alahe'e can adapt to various types of well-drained soil, which is crucial for preventing root rot and maintaining optimal moisture levels.
Temperature
The Alahe'e plant comes from tropical areas where the weather conditions are typically hot and moist. Consequently, it flourishes in warmth and humidity. This plant does not thrive in an environment where the temperature changes rapidly, hence the need for a consistent warm indoor climate. The Alahe'e typically cannot endure low temperatures and needs a warm environment to grow. If the ambient temperature becomes excessively low, the plant's growth may halt or it could potentially perish.
Fertilizer
The optimum period to feed an Alahe'e plant is in the beginning of spring, when it awakens from its dormant state. This supports comprehensive growth and encourages flower progression. Providing nourishment augments the leaves, stems, and branches, and encourages the growth of large, lively, and enduring flowers. It assists in the transportation of nutrients from the roots to the blooms and boosts the general health of the plant, as well as its ability to resist disease.
Pruning
Alahe'e is a hardy shrub known for its dense foliage and fragrant white flowers. To encourage bushier growth and improve air circulation, prune the shrub in winter by shaping it and removing any dead branches. Make sure to clean your tools before pruning to prevent disease, which will enhance both the appearance and overall health of the plant.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree, Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Psydrax
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 3.96 m to 10.06 m
- Mature Spread
- 3.05 m to 6.1 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Australia
Other names.
