Contents
Description
Clusia Rosea, also known as the Autograph Tree or Scotch Attorney, is a beautiful tropical plant that is commonly grown as a houseplant. It belongs to the Clusiaceae family and is native to the Caribbean, Central and South America. This plant is named Autograph Tree because its leaves are thick and fleshy, and people can write on them with a sharp object, and the writing will remain for a long time. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 15 feet in height in its natural habitat.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Clusiaceae |
| Genus | Clusia |
Appearance
Clusia Rosea has thick, waxy, and leathery leaves that are dark green in color and oval-shaped. The leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 6 inches wide. The plant is known for its unique pink flowers that bloom in the summer, which are followed by green fruits that turn into brown, woody capsules when they mature. The plant’s roots can grow above the soil and form a network of tangled stems that provide support to the plant.
Care Guide
- Water: Clusia Rosea prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in water for too long as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Feed the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce the frequency to once a month during the winter months.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
- Sunlight: Clusia Rosea prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: Clusia Rosea is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. It can be grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Clusia Rosea is generally a hardy plant and is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Clusia Rosea is native to the Caribbean, Central, and South America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including mangrove swamps, coastal sands, and rocky areas. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 15 feet in height in its natural habitat.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Clusia Rosea be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Clusia Rosea can be grown indoors. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Clusia Rosea?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in water for too long as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What kind of soil does Clusia Rosea prefer?
A: Clusia Rosea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
Q: Is Clusia Rosea hardy?
A: Clusia Rosea is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. It can be grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.
Related Plants
- Clusia Major
- Clusia Minor
- Clusia Fluminensis
- Clusia Guttifera
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/autograph-tree/growing-autograph-trees.htm
- https://www.houseplantsexpert.com/clusia-rosea.html
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/autograph-tree/autograph-tree-care.htm
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/field-guide-autograph-tree-clusia-rosea/
