Ligustrum lucidum aka Broad Leaf Privet

Taxonomy

Ligustrum lucidum, also known as the broad-leaf privet, Chinese privet, glossy privet, tree privet, or wax-leaf privet, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae. It is native to the southern half of China and has been naturalized in many places, including the United States. The plant can grow up to 30 feet in height and has white puffy flowers during the late spring and small blue-black berries in the fall. The berry of the Ligustrum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a wide range of conditions. However, it is considered invasive in all moist habitats, especially in Australia. Glossy Privet, a rare houseplant that belongs to the Ligustrum genus and is native to Central and Southern China to Hainan and Southern Korea, is also called Chinese Privet. It needs regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light less than one foot from a window. The soil should be well-draining, and the plant does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. The Latin specific epithet lucidum means "bright" or "shiny," referring to the leaves.

Common names

Broad Leaf Privet, Chinese Privet, Chinese Wax Leaf Privet, Glossy Privet, Nepal Privet

How to care for Broad Leaf Privet

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Broad Leaf Privet is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Broad Leaf Privet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Broad Leaf Privet 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

Broad Leaf Privet requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Chinese Privet is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Broad Leaf Privet is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Broad Leaf Privet should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Broad Leaf Privet’s native range is E. Asia - China.


More info:
Wikipedia