Muehlenbeckia astonii aka Shrubby Tororaro
Taxonomy
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 TororaroHow to care for Shrubby Tororaro
Water
Shrubby Tororaro should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
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.
Lighting
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.
Toxicity
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.
Region of origin
Shrubby Tororaro’s native range is New Zealand.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Muehlenbeckia Genus
Muehlenbeckia adpressa
Muehlenbeckia australis Large Leaved Muehlenbeckia
Muehlenbeckia gunnii Muehlenbeckia Gunnii
Muehlenbeckia axillaris Sprawling Wirevine
Muehlenbeckia ephedroides Leafless Pohuehue
Muehlenbeckia complexa Maidenhair Vine
