Water
Water moderately when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage.
Reduce watering during cooler months or when the plant is dormant to prevent waterlogging and potential issues.
Also known as Devil's-Pepper · Devil-Pepper · Four-Leaf Devil's-Pepper
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Be Still Tree (Rauvolfia tetraphylla) is a tropical shrub or small tree with glossy leaves and white flowers. It's known for its medicinal properties.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow top 2-3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Average Room
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-25°C. Protect from frost and sudden temperature drops.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light
25% intensity
Feed monthly during growing season with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic, particularly the seeds.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage.
Reduce watering during cooler months or when the plant is dormant to prevent waterlogging and potential issues.
Prune to maintain shape and size, or to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done anytime, while heavier pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
This encourages bushier growth.
Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Seeds require warm conditions to germinate.
Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and kept in a humid environment until established.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, preferably in spring. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excess moisture retention.
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 Be Still Tree (Rauvolfia tetraphylla)
Where Be Still Tree (Rauvolfia tetraphylla) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Rauvolfia |
| Species | Rauvolfia tetraphylla |
Similar in genus Rauvolfia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
