Clusia Guttifera
Growing Zones: 9 - 11
Growth Rate: 2 FT / Year
Mature Height: 25 - 35 FT
Mature Width: 15 - 20 FT
Growth form: Hedge or Tree Form
Foliage Color: Green
Soil Conditions: Wide range of soils
Recommended Plant Spacing 2 - 4 FT
About our Clusia Guttifera
The Clusia Guttifera, commonly known as the Small Leaf Clusia, is swiftly emerging as the hedge plant of choice across the vibrant landscapes of South Florida. This versatile plant boasts a unique ability to branch out from nearly ground level, creating an impenetrable hedge adorned with rich, olive-green leaves that have a thick and leathery texture, evoking a sense of lushness and vitality.
Remarkably statuesque, the Clusia Guttifera is no modest inhabitant of the garden; it can soar to majestic heights of 25 to 35 feet. Despite its potential for grandeur, it remains amenable to artistic pruning, allowing gardeners to sculpt it according to their aesthetic preferences and spatial needs. It exhibits an admirable versatility in its preference for sunlight, flourishing under the bright embrace of full sun yet displaying a gracious tolerance for the dappled light of partial shade.
Growth for the Clusia Guttifera is both moderate and swift, signaling its readiness to adapt and thrive under a broad spectrum of conditions. It stands resilient against the challenges posed by various soil types, proving itself a stalwart guardian of the garden in coastal realms and in terrains plagued by nutritional impoverishment. Once it has firmly rooted itself within its chosen domain, the Clusia Guttifera transforms into a paragon of low maintenance, requiring minimal intervention while demonstrating an exceptional tolerance to drought, embodying the essence of resilience and self-sufficiency.
Clusia Sizes & Prices
Choose the dimensions for your privacy screen based on your patience level and budget. Larger sizes offer immediate privacy but at a higher cost. Ultimately, all trees will achieve the desired outcome, so your willingness to wait is key.
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Watering Instructions
Understanding Watering Needs: Clusia Guttifera prefers consistent moisture but does not tolerate waterlogging. It's essential to strike a balance between keeping the soil moist and ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil Type: Use well-draining, slightly acidic soil for Clusia Guttifera. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand works well. Good drainage is crucial to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
Watering Frequency: Water your Clusia Guttifera when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Stick your finger into the soil to check moisture levels. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out, but also prevent it from becoming waterlogged.
Seasonal Variations: Adjust your watering schedule based on the season. Clusia Guttifera may require more frequent watering during the warmer months when evaporation rates are higher. Reduce watering in the cooler months to prevent overwatering.
Watering Technique: When watering, thoroughly moisten the soil until water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. Allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging. Empty the saucer beneath the pot to avoid water accumulation.
Avoid Overwatering: Be cautious not to overwater Clusia Guttifera, as it is susceptible to root rot. Soggy soil can lead to fungal diseases and other problems. If you notice the soil staying wet for prolonged periods, reduce the frequency of watering.
Humidity: Clusia Guttifera appreciates high humidity, which mimics its natural tropical environment. You can increase humidity by misting the plant regularly or placing a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the pot.
Rainwater or Distilled Water: If possible, use rainwater or distilled water for watering Clusia Guttifera, especially if your tap water is heavily chlorinated or contains high levels of salts or minerals. These impurities can harm the plant over time.
Temperature Consideration: Avoid watering during extreme temperature conditions, such as hot afternoons or freezing temperatures. Watering in the early morning or late afternoon allows the plant to uptake moisture more effectively.
Monitor for Signs of Stress: Keep an eye on your Clusia Guttifera for signs of both overwatering (wilting, yellowing leaves, root rot) and underwatering (drooping leaves, dry soil). Adjust your watering routine accordingly based on the plant's response.
Trimming Instructions
Timing: The best time to trim Clusia Guttifera is during the active growing season, which typically occurs in spring and summer. Avoid pruning during periods of dormancy or when the plant is stressed, as this can inhibit recovery and growth.
Tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or hedge trimmers to make precise cuts. Disinfect your tools before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases between plants. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands from sap or skin irritation.
Identify Areas for Trimming: Inspect the Clusia Guttifera and identify any areas that require trimming. Look for branches that are growing unevenly, too tall, or out of the desired shape. Also remove any damaged, diseased, or dead leaves or stems.
Remove Dead or Damaged Growth: Begin by cutting away any visibly unhealthy or dry foliage. Always trim back to a point just above a healthy leaf node or branch junction to encourage strong new growth.
Shape and Control Size: Clusia responds very well to trimming and can be shaped into a neat hedge, rounded shrub, or tight box form. Lightly trim the outer edges to keep the plant dense and uniform. To maintain height, cut the top evenly across, just above a leaf pair.
Promote Density: To create a thicker hedge, trim just beyond the new growth tips. This encourages the plant to branch out and grow fuller rather than taller. You can also selectively thin inside the plant to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Avoid Over-Trimming: Do not remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Over-trimming can shock Clusia and slow regrowth. If a heavy cut is needed, do it gradually over multiple sessions or seasons.
Maintain Natural Form (Optional): While Clusia is commonly shaped into boxy or formal hedges, it also looks attractive with a more natural, rounded appearance. If you prefer a softer look, trim lightly and avoid harsh edges.
Clean Up Debris: Rake up and remove all cuttings from the base of the plant after trimming. This helps reduce pest and fungal issues and keeps your landscape looking clean and polished.
Monitor Growth: New growth should emerge within a few weeks during the growing season. Keep an eye out for uneven growth or gaps and trim as needed to encourage balance. Regular maintenance every 6–8 weeks during warm months will keep your Clusia looking its best.
With proper trimming, Clusia Guttifera will form a dense, vibrant green hedge that enhances privacy, reduces noise, and adds tropical beauty to any Florida landscape.