The Pina Colada plant is a fun and easy plant to grow outdoors. This lovely plant has bright yellow to orange foliage that looks great in any yard. It’s a fast-growing shrub with waxy leaves that change color in cooler weather.
This attractive plant is a member of the Rubiaceae family and is evergreen. Let’s look at growing and caring for a pina colada plant.
What is a Pina Colada plant?
Pina Colada plants are unique and eye-catching shrub that’s typically grown outdoors or in greenhouses. This plant is officially called a, but is referred to as a pina colada due to its tropical-looking leaves. You may also know this plant as a mirror bush or mirror plant.
Pina colada plants have leathery leaves that are bright green to yellow with orange edges. The leaves get darker and turn more orange in the winter when the weather gets cooler. This plant also produces dioecious flowers in the spring or summer months. The female plants produce berries in the fall, but only if you have a male and female plant growing together.
The pina colada plant is a large shrub that can grow to 3 or 4 feet high and as wide once it reaches maturity. It will take between 5 and 10 years for the plant to reach its full potential. These plants are commonly grown in a flower border, Mediterranean garden, or hedge if more than one plant is grown side by side.
How to care for a pina colada plant?
Like most plants, the pina colada needs adequate sunlight and water. Here are some tips to help you grow a healthy, thriving pina colada plant:
Sunlight requirements
The pina colada plant grows best in the full sun. It should be planted in a sheltered location that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. It’s important to note that any place that is too hot or sunny may cause the plant to dry out quickly.
Watering needs
It’s also essential to keep the soil moist, not wet. A plant with too much water will die quickly, but one that is allowed to dry out will not grow well or produce flowers. It would help if you refrained from getting water on the leaves or flowers of your plant, as this may cause them to rot and fall off.
Soil
The pina colada plant likes soil that’s loamy and well-draining. It also does well in clay-like or sandy soils. You can mix some sand or grit into your soil to help your plant thrive. Pina colada plants like soil that’s slightly acidic to neutral and has a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
Pests and diseases
The pina colada plant is generally healthy if well cared for. It’s a pest-resistant plant that doesn’t suffer from many diseases. Your plant may suffer from fungal infections or root rot if it’s overwatered.
Conclusion
Pina Colada plants are unique and easy to care for plants that can be grown outdoors. They get quite large and look colorful year-round.