How to Grow Philotheca Myoporoides - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Philotheca myoporoides is a stunning plant that hails from Australia. It is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to six feet in height and width. The leaves are a glossy green and the branches are covered in small, white flowers. The philotheca myoporoides is drought tolerant and does well in full sun to partial shade.

How to Grow Philotheca Myoporoides - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • waxflower
  • bushman's poison
  • native daphne
  • western daphne
  • desert daphne

Things to Know

  • Philotheca myoporoides is an evergreen shrub native to Australia.
  • It grows to around 2-3 m in height and has dark green, glossy leaves.
  • The flowers are white or cream and appear in spring and early summer.
  • Philotheca myoporoides is tolerant of a range of soil types and climates.
  • It is a drought-tolerant plant and will cope with long periods without water.
  • Philotheca myoporoides is relatively slow-growing, but can be pruned to shape if necessary.
  • It is relatively low-maintenance and does not require regular fertilisation.
  • Philotheca myoporoides is generally pest- and disease-free.
  • It is a good plant for attracting birds and other wildlife to the garden.
  • Philotheca myoporoides makes an excellent screen or hedge plant.

Planting Process

  1. For philotheca myoporoides, first step is to obtain a cutting from a mature plant.
  2. Next, take the cutting and plant it in moist potting mix.
  3. Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect light.
  4. Water the cutting regularly, keeping the potting mix moist but not soggy.
  5. After several weeks, the cutting should begin to develop roots.
  6. Once the roots are well-established, transplant the philotheca myoporoides cutting into a larger pot or garden bed.
  7. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  8. Feed the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. In late spring or early summer, the philotheca myoporoides plant may produce white or pink flowers.
  10. Enjoy your philotheca myoporoides plant!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Philotheca myoporoides like well-drained soil, and they are not too particular about soil type although they prefer a lighter soil. They will also grow in sand, loam, or clay. They are tolerant of salt and of drought once they are established.

About light

Not too different with other plants, the Philotheca myoporoides needs sunlight to grow. However, this plant is adaptable to different amounts of sunlight. It can prosper in full sun or in shady areas. This makes the Philotheca myoporoides a good plant to grow in gardens that have both sunny and shady areas.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the Philotheca Myoporoides plant is warm. The plant grows in swampy areas and is found in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. The plant can grow in water that is up to about 18 inches deep. The Philotheca Myoporoides plant prefers the temperature to be about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will not flower at these lower temperatures.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40% to 60%. They are known to be quite drought tolerant, however, will appreciate a good misting every now and then. These plants are native to Australia and thrive in dry, arid climates.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this kind of plant needs has to be applied during the spring and summer. If you want to use organic matter, well-decomposed manure is ideal. If you're using inorganic fertilizer, use one that's low in nitrogen and rich in phosphorus. This plant does not need a lot of fertilizer, so don't go overboard. Every 4 to 6 weeks is plenty. Just be sure to water it regularly and deeply, especially during hot, dry weather. The root system is relatively shallow, so be careful not to overwater.

About light

Pruning is an important part of plant care for philotheca myoporoides. This evergreen shrub can become leggy and overgrown if left unpruned. Pruning not only keeps the plant looking tidy, but also encourages new growth. To prune, simply trim back any overgrown or leggy branches. You can also cut back the entire plant by a third or so every few years to keep it from becoming too large.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of philotheca myoporoides is best achieved from cuttings taken from new growth in spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from the lower half of the stem and should be around 10-15cm in length. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining propagating mix and kept moist. They should be placed in a warm, sunny position and protected from strong winds. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate research has been conducted in pots in a greenhouse. However, a few field studies have been done in areas with this native plant. The growth rate of philotheca myoporoides is between 10 and 30 centimeters per year. In a study done in 2006, the average rate of growth was 21.8 centimeters per year. The study also found that the plant's growth rate was enhanced by the addition of organic matter to the soil.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungus that grows on the leaves and stems of the plant. Root rot is a condition where the roots of the plant start to decay and the plant becomes weak and dies.

List to Know

  • Remember to water regularly, as philotheca myoporoides is a thirsty plant.
  • Place the plant in a sunny spot as it needs plenty of sunlight to thrive.
  • Fertilize the plant monthly using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  • Harvest the plant when the leaves are a deep, rich green.
  • Dry the leaves for later use or consumption.
  • The plant can also be propagated from stem cuttings.
  • If growing philotheca myoporoides in a pot, make sure to choose a well-draining potting mix.
  • Be sure to give the plant plenty of space to grow, as it can reach up to 2 meters in height.

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Source:
Philotheca Rudge > - Keys - eFlora: Vascular Plants of the …
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