Care Sheet - Clusia Rosea “Autograph Tree”

Clusia Rosea - “Autograph Tree”

Light: Full, direct sun is best, in a south-facing window. They can tolerate partial shade.

Water: Clusia are drought-tolerant and like to be watered once their soil dries out. Be extra careful to ensure that the soil dries between watering, as clusias can develop root rot if they are left sitting in water.

Environment: Native to the Caribbean, clusia prefer a warm, tropical environment and sandy, well-draining soil. They are hemiepiphytes (growing as an epiphyte on rocks and other trees when young, then moving to soil when more mature). Its aerial roots can easily strangle host trees or cling to nearby plants.

Toxicity: Reported to be toxic to cats and dogs. Its sap can irritate human skin and cause a rash.

Of Note:

The clusia is nicknamed the ‘autograph tree’ because graffiti can be scratched onto the thick, long-lasting leaves.

• Clusia propagate easily by cuttings in warm wet soil or water.

The clusia can grow quickly when healthy, rapidly outgrowing a container. Make sure to allow ample space for root growth when repotting.
*When planting in a pot without a drainage hole, avoid over watering by estimating 25% of the container’s overall volume, with appropriate drainage materials incorporated when planting.