Muehlenbeckia astonii aka Shrubby Tororaro

Taxonomy ID: 5009

Muehlenbeckia astonii, also known as shrubby tororaro, is an endemic New Zealand shrub in the family Polygonaceae. It is an erect, deciduous, twiggy shrub that can reach a height of up to 2 meters. Its distinctive feature is its tangle of wiry interlocking branches, adorned with small heart-shaped leaves. During summer, it produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers. This rare and threatened plant is commonly cultivated worldwide, but it is extremely rare in its natural habitat. In cultivation, shrubby tororaro is a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering for optimal growth. It thrives best in long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned within 1 foot of a window. It prefers soil that is extremely well-draining and can benefit from the addition of a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season. Despite its rarity, it is tolerant of dry and exposed sites.

Common names

Shrubby Tororaro

More information about Shrubby Tororaro

What is the region of origin of Shrubby Tororaro

Shrubby Tororaro’s native range is New Zealand.

What are the water needs for Shrubby Tororaro

Shrubby Tororaro should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Shrubby Tororaro

The Shrubby Tororaro is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

What is the sunlight requirement for Shrubby Tororaro

To ensure optimal growth, the Shrubby Tororaro 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.

Is Shrubby Tororaro toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

More info:
Wikipedia