Water
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogging, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
Also known as Arani · Bastard Guelder · Buas-Buas
Premna serratifolia is a fast-growing, woody shrub or small tree native to tropical Asia, known for its medicinal properties and use in traditional remedies.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in cooler months.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C. Protect from frost and sudden temperature drops.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogging, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep moist and warm until roots develop, usually within a few weeks.
Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of potting soil, perlite, and sand.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Herbal Tree (Premna serratifolia)
Where Herbal Tree (Premna serratifolia) is found

Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Premna |
| Species | Premna serratifolia |
Similar in genus Premna
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data