Psychotria viridis cv. Shipibo (Chacruna) Plant

Description

Psychotria viridis Shipibo cultivar. Traditionally used in the Amazon by the Shipibo tribe.

Psychotria viridis is a perennial shrub native to the Amazon rainforest, especially found in countries like Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family — the same plant family as coffee.

Chacruna is an evergreen tree, which grows to a height of 5m with a spread of 2m, but is usually kept smaller in cultivation. The stem is erect and branching, the leaves Broad, glossy, and dark green, with prominent veins. The flowers are pale green to white on long stalks; the fruit are red berries containing 1 or 2 small brown seed which are convex and grooved on one side, flat on the other.

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Cutting Grown Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Psychotria viridis prefers well composted rich soils in a protected partial shade to shady position. It thrives in warm, humid conditions. It is drought and frost tender, keep indoors or in a greenhouse if needed.. Prefers sub-tropical to tropical climates (21-32°C). Prefers partial shade (dappled sunlight or 50-70% shade). Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn leaves. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Leaves can be regularly misted to maintain high humidity (70-90%).

Pests and Diseases: Monitor your plant for pests like aphids, mealybugs or spider mites. Psychotria is very susceptible to Mealybugs. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage. We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: 

Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser

The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food

We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

We cannot ship this species Internationally.

We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

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*Traditional uses and general information on products are provided for educational purposes only. We do not make any therapeutic claims. Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.