Clusia in Vita Vase

Light: Clusia rosea prefers medium to bright indirect light, such as from an east- or west-facing window or set back from a south-facing window. Avoid giving it too much direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Temperature and humidity: Autograph tree loves greenhouse-like conditions, with room temperatures between 60° to 85° F and high humidity levels. Keep away from cold drafts, and don’t expose plants to temperatures below 50° F. Also avoid placing near heating or cooling vents. In drier areas of the home, keep your plant hydrated by using a humidifier, misting the leaves regularly, or setting the pot on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water.

Soil: Use a loose, fast-draining soil that allows for good root aeration, such as a high-quality potting mix augmented with coconut coir or orchid bark to improve drainage.

Pot requirements: Grow in a pot that is 2 to 4 inches wider and deeper than the root ball, with adequate drainage holes. Giving the roots enough room to spread will result in faster, more robust growth. If your plant becomes rootbound, the growth will be slower.

Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist, watering whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Add water until it begins to flow out of the pot’s drainage holes, being careful not to allow the roots to sit in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. Clusia rosea isn’t sensitive to the minerals in water, so it’s fine to use ordinary room-temperature tap water.

Fertilizing: Feed once a month with a water-soluble plant food diluted to half strength when the plant is actively growing. Withhold fertilizer during the winter.

Pruning: Because of its fast growth rate, Clusia rosea may need to be pruned once or twice a year to maintain the desired shape and prevent it from becoming leggy. Using clean hand pruners, cut back the stems to just above a pair of leaves; this will encourage branching and fuller, bushier growth. You can save the stem cuttings to propagate new plants.

Repotting: You may need to repot your autograph tree every year or two to prevent it from outgrowing its container. If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the container, it’s time to repot. Move your plant to a new container about 2 inches larger than the existing one, and be sure to refresh the soil.

Leaf damage: If your autograph tree has yellow or discolored leaves, it’s usually due to stress caused by over or underwatering, low humidity, temperature fluctuations, or too much direct sunlight. Prune off the damaged foliage and only give your plant enough water to keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy.