Red Boronia Boronia heterophylla 'Ice Charlotte'

Water

Red boronia (Boronia heterophylla 'Ice Charlotte') should be watered regularly to maintain consistent moisture, particularly during its active growth in spring and summer. It will typically require watering once or twice a week, but this can vary based on climate and soil conditions. It's best to check the soil moisture by feeling the top inch of soil; if it's dry, water the plant. Use enough water to dampen the soil thoroughly without waterlogging it, around 1 to 2 gallons each time, depending on the size of your plant and pot.

Light

Red boronia thrives in bright, indirect light and should be placed in a spot where it can receive plenty of filtered sunlight without being exposed to harsh midday sun. An east or west-facing window with some light shade is ideal. Avoid placing it in full shade or direct afternoon sun, as this could either starve the plant of light or cause leaf burn.

Temperature

Red boronia prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F for optimal growth. It can survive brief periods of higher or lower temperatures but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 30°F or above 85°F can be harmful to the plant. The ideal temperature range for red boronia to thrive is between 60°F and 70°F.

Pruning

Red boronia should be pruned to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune after flowering by cutting back the spent flower stems and trimming any straggly growth. This typically happens once a year, but light pruning can be done anytime to remove dead or damaged wood. The best time for a more significant prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Red Boronia requires well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth. A soil mix comprised of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and loamy soil is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and aeration. Regularly monitor the pH and adjust as necessary to maintain acidity.

Repotting

Red Boronia should generally be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and encourage continued growth. However, they prefer not to be disturbed too often, so repot only when necessary and handle the root system with care during the process.

Humidity & Misting

Red Boronia thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally ranging from 50% to 70%. This plant benefits from a humid environment but can tolerate lower humidity if other growing conditions, such as watering and soil moisture, are well managed.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Place in partial shade with protection from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Boronia heterophylla 'Ice Charlotte', commonly known as Red Boronia, begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in the right conditions of moisture and temperature, often requiring a well-drained medium. Seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, showing the characteristic foliage of mature Boronias but not yet flowering. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where it grows to its full size and the leaves fully develop, showing a deep green or reddish hue. The mature phase is marked by the onset of flowering, when Red Boronia produces an abundance of its distinctive pink or red flowers, usually in spring or early summer. After pollination, which can occur through the aid of insects, the flowers develop into seed capsules which, upon drying, release seeds to begin a new generation. Finally, as a perennial, it can live several years but may have a shorter life span or require rejuvenation in cultivation to prevent it from becoming woody and less floriferous with age.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Boronia heterophylla 'Ice Charlotte', commonly known as Red Boronia, is best propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place in the summer when the plant’s growth begins to harden. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is taken from a healthy stem, ensuring that at least two sets of leaves are present. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is inserted into a well-draining potting mix and maintained in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Regular misting is essential during this period to keep the cutting hydrated. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being planted out.