The autograph tree (Clusia rosea), is characterized by its sturdy, dark green leaves, strong enough for people to write on – hence the name. Additionally, its horizontal-growing branches are another one of its attention-grabbing features.
Originating in the Caribbean and Central America, its other common names are pitch apple, scotch attorney, and princess bush.
The autograph tree was named after the Netherlands botanist Carolus Clusius
.
As previously mentioned, this plant’s leaves are strong and sturdy and have “even been used as playing cards” (Starr, Forest, Starr, Kim, Loope, Lloyd. 2003. Clusia rosea, Autograph tree, Clusiaceae ).
While this plant produces pink and white flowers when grown outdoors, it is unlikely to bloom indoors ☹.
Still, an autograph tree is a good option for beginner houseplant owners, as it’s relatively low maintenance. High humidity and medium light conditions are a few things that will help it thrive.
Table of Contents
Snapshot
| Botanical name | Clusia rosea |
| Light | Medium light and partial shade |
| Water | Moderate watering – about once per week |
| Soil | Moist |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people and pets |
Light Requirements
As a houseplant, your autograph tree will need to be placed in a location that gets medium light and partial shade.
Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Watering Needs
Moderate watering is best for this plant, as it prefers moist soil. So, watering your plant once per week is the way to go.
Water should be at room temperature.
Be careful not to overwater your autograph tree, as this could lead to root rot. Consider using a soil moisture meter, to check the soil’s moisture level and avoid either overwatering or underwatering your plant.
Alternatively, you can test the moisture level by putting your forefinger in it halfway, to determine whether it is moist or dry.
Soil Requirements
Use potting soil that is soft, loose, drains well, and contains organic nutrients.
If you opt to mix your own potting soil, ensure that 50% is organic matter and the other 50% is either perlite or sand, for good drainage.
Fertilizing Needs
Fertilize your autograph tree 2 or 3 times a year during the growing season with a granular fertilizer.
Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertilizer, however, this will require more frequent fertilizing, i.e., every 2 or 3 weeks during the growing season.
Temperature and Humidity
Your autograph tree prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 60 °F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). It does not do well in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
High humidity levels work best, particularly since this plant originated in humid conditions. So, keep the humidity level above 50%. Placing your plant on top of a tray filled with pebbles and water will increase the moisture around the plant and thereby increase the humidity. Spraying your plant’s leaves with water will also increase the humidity around the plant, as well as using a humidifier.
Pruning Needs
This is a fast-growing plant and as such, trimming it annually is the way to go. Trim it during the spring when it’s growing so that it maintains its shape.
Additionally, by pruning your autograph tree every year, you’ll reduce the number of times you need to repot it.
Propagating
Because the autograph tree is easy to propagate, you can have more of these fast-growing plants to give out as gifts or to keep for your living space.
Propagating by stem cuttings is easiest.
- Using pruning shears, remove a few stems from the plant.
- Plant the cuttings in moist soil and place in a partially shaded, humid location
- Keep the soil moist and the cuttings will take root.
Stem cuttings can also be propagated in water.
Here’s a video demonstration:
Repotting Needs
If the roots are poking out of the drainage holes, it’s time to repot your plant.
To repot, choose a pot that is 1 to 2 inches (2 ½ to 5 cm) wider in diameter than the current one.
Selecting a pot larger than outlined will cause the soil to retain too much moisture and increase the likelihood of root rot developing.
Be sure to use well-draining potting soil, as this plant does not like to sit in wet conditions. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot and place it in the new one, backfilling with soil as needed. And remember to water thoroughly.
Common Issues
Brown or yellow leaves
Brown or yellow leaves or a soft stem are likely indications of overwatering and the potential development of root rot. For more information on addressing this, here are some tips for root rot.
Leaf spot
This is caused by too much water or wet conditions, causing the leaves to have brown or black spots on them.
To address this, cut back on watering and make sure the plant has good drainage.
Toxicity
The autograph tree is considered toxic and as such, it’s best to keep it out of reach of small children and pets.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new houseplant and are looking for something low maintenance with a bit of personality, an autograph tree could be perfect for you.
These plants are known for their sturdy, dark green leaves – which make great canvases for your signatures (or any other artwork) – and their horizontal-growing branches. Plus, they thrive in high humidity and medium light conditions, making them easy-to-care-for plants.
So, if you’re looking for an attention-grabbing addition to your home décor that doesn’t require a lot of TLC, look no further than the autograph tree!