Ardisia crenata aka Coralberry
Taxonomy
Ardisia crenata, also known as Christmas berry, Australian holly, coral ardisia, coral bush, coralberry, coralberry tree, hen's-eyes, and spiceberry, is a species of flowering plant in the primrose family. Native to East Asia, this compact evergreen shrub has dark green, glossy leaves with tightly waved edges. In early summer, it produces small, fragrant, white flowers that are followed by salmon-pink berries. The berries are a highlight, lasting well past Christmas time and attracting attention. This invasive species was introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant and has since escaped cultivation. The plant can reach a height of 2 to 5 feet and is tolerant of various conditions, making it an ideal choice for beginners in houseplant care. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine, with preparations made from its root. The berries, measuring 4-6 mm in diameter, appear in October and remain on the bush until spring. They are dispersed by birds and humans.
Common names
Coralberry, Coralberry Tree, Coralbush, Hen's EyesHow to care for Coralberry
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Coralberry, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Coralberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Coralberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Coralberry prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
The Coralberry does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Fertilizer
Once the Coralberry has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
Coralberry grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
Region of origin
Coralberry’s native range is Tropical Americas, Asia, Australia, and Pacific Islands.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Ardisia Genus
Ardisia japonica Marlberry
Ardisia humilis Low Shoebutton
Ardisia crenata Coralberry
Ardisia crispa Japanese Holly
Ardisia polysticta Ardisia Plant
Ardisia elliptica Shoebutton
Ardisia revoluta
Ardisia cornudentata Ardisia Cornudentata
Ardisia quinquegona Ardisia Quinquegona
