Christmasbush (Alchornea cordifolia) is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree native to tropical Africa, known for its attractive foliage and medicinal uses.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light; can tolerate full sun if consistently watered.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Loam, Sandy loam, Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-27°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Alchornea cordifolia regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering in cooler months when growth slows down.
Prune Alchornea cordifolia in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning can be used to shape the plant and maintain a desired size and density.
Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season.
Propagate Christmasbush from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining, moist potting mix.
Keep them in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light until roots form, which can take several weeks.
Repot Alchornea cordifolia every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Use a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Choose a peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or sand for improved drainage.
Water thoroughly after repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Christmasbush (Alchornea cordifolia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Alchornea |
| Species | Alchornea cordifolia |
Similar in genus Alchornea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
