PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight required for consistent fruiting
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering frequency during cool winter months
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10°C to prevent frost damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, glossy oval leaves with emarginate (notched) tips; deep green upper surface, pale green underside
- Flower: Pink to light rose five-petaled blooms; clustered at leaf axils
- Fruit: Bright red, cherry-like drupe with three seeds; tangy, vitamin C-rich flesh when ripe
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist to support active growth and fruiting
Fertilization
Feed with balanced organic fertilizer every 4 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prioritize fruiting over excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the plant base and gently work into topsoil to avoid root disturbancePruning
- Prune in late Winter to shape the shrub and remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches
- Thin overcrowded growth to improve airflow and light penetration for better fruiting
- Remove spent flower clusters to encourage intermittent late-season blooms
- Trim back leggy stems to maintain compact growth for indoor cultivation
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no known adverse effects for cats
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; edible ripe fruit is safe for consumption
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible vitamin C-rich fruits for fresh consumption or jams; ornamental flowering shrub for landscapes
