190 - 200cm XXL Coccoloba Uvifera 45cm Pot House Plant

🌿 Coccoloba uvifera — Sea Grape

Coccoloba uvifera, commonly known as the Sea Grape, is a striking, tropical evergreen native to the coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, and Florida. Renowned for its broad, leathery leaves and bold form, this plant is equally at home in seaside landscapes or bright, warm interiors. The large, rounded leaves can reach up to 25 cm across, emerging with coppery tones before maturing to rich green, often veined in red. Outdoors, mature plants bear long clusters of grape-like fruit — which are edible and mildly sweet — giving the plant its common name. While it can grow into a sizeable tree or shrub in its native habitat, Coccoloba uvifera remains compact and well-behaved when container-grown, making it a fantastic statement plant for conservatories, patios, and bright interiors. Its salt tolerance, resilience to wind, and stunning foliage make it a perfect choice for tropical or coastal-themed gardens — and for those wanting a truly unique indoor specimen.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Indoors: Requires bright, indirect light. Tolerates full sun once acclimated.

• Outdoors: Thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade.

• Low light: Not suitable — results in sparse growth and leaf drop.

🌡️ Temperature & Hardiness

• Ideal temperature: 21–30°C (70–86°F)

• Minimum temperature: Protect from temperatures below 10°C (50°F); not frost-hardy

• Hardiness: USDA zones 10–11; grow in containers in cooler climates and overwinter indoors

• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist occasionally in dry environments

💧 Watering Needs

• Watering frequency: Water when the top 3–5 cm of soil is dry. Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.

• Container care: Ensure good drainage; never let the plant sit in standing water.

• Drought tolerance: Reasonably tolerant once established, but container-grown plants prefer regular moisture.

🪴 Soil & Repotting

• Soil type: Well-draining compost with added grit or sand. Mimics coastal, sandy soils.

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

• Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when rootbound. Spring is the best time to repot.

🌱 Feeding

• Growing season (spring–summer): Feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

• Autumn–winter: Feeding can be reduced or paused depending on growth.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Pruning: Prune lightly to maintain shape or limit size. Responds well to trimming.

• Leaf care: Wipe large leaves gently to remove dust and reveal natural gloss.

• Growth habit: Can be trained into a small tree, kept as a shrub, or pruned for a bonsai-style silhouette.

🌾 Propagation

• From seed: Can be grown from fresh seed, though germination is slow and requires warmth.

• Cuttings: Possible with semi-hardwood cuttings, though less common.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Common pests: Scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites — more likely indoors in dry air.

• Symptoms: Sticky residue, distorted leaves, or webbing.

• Treatment: Wipe affected areas and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

• Common issues:

  • Leaf drop: Often caused by cold temperatures or low light.

  • Brown edges: Usually due to low humidity or underwatering.

🧤 Toxicity & Safety

• Toxicity: Not toxic to humans or pets.

• Fruit: Edible when ripe, often used for jams or jellies — but fruiting indoors is rare.

🏡 Indoor & Outdoor Care Highlights

• Ideal for tropical, coastal, or Mediterranean-style gardens and interiors.

• Makes a dramatic indoor feature with its large, round foliage and striking form.

• Can be grown as a small tree in a bright conservatory or greenhouse.

• Pairs beautifully with palms, bird of paradise, and other bold tropicals.

• Low-maintenance and long-lived when provided with warmth, light, and space.