Lonicera ligustrina aka Indian Cluster Berry

Taxonomy

Lonicera ligustrina, also known as box honeysuckle, is a species of honeysuckle found in Bhutan, India, Nepal, and China. This evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous shrub can grow up to 2.5 meters in height, and has leathery or paper-like leaves that measure between 0.4-8 × 0.2-1.5 cm. Box honeysuckle is a rare houseplant that is not difficult to grow, but requires regular watering and well-draining soil. It thrives in direct light, ideally less than 1 foot from a window, and does not need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Box honeysuckle belongs to the Lonicera genus and is native to China.

Common names

Indian Cluster Berry, Boxleaf Honeysuckle, Box Honeysuckle

How to care for Indian Cluster Berry

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Indian Cluster Berry due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Indian Cluster Berry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Indian Cluster Berry 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 Indian Cluster Berry prefers bright diffused 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.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Indian Cluster Berry to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

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.

Fertilizer

Once the Indian Cluster Berry 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.


More info:
Wikipedia