Autograph tree (Clusia rosea) may just be one of coolest houseplants that you’ve never heard of. Hailing from the tropics, this ultra-trendy tree is starting to show up in nurseries and garden centers everywhere, and is well worth seeking out if you’re looking for a lush, leafy houseplant that is remarkably easy to care for.
As the name suggests, autograph tree’s most unique feature is its ability to be personalized. You can actually carve your name or initials into one of its thick, leathery leaves and the writing will remain, even as the leaf grows in size.
It also has a nice, full shape, with leaves and branches that extend symmetrically from a sturdy central stalk. Another plus: Autograph tree is one of the few houseplants capable of absorbing carbon dioxide at night and converting it into oxygen, making it a super-efficient indoor air purifier.
Clusia rosea (Not to be confused with Clusia guttifera, or small leaf clusia, a similar species commonly grown outdoors as a shrub or hedge.)
When grown in pots indoors, it rarely grows taller than 3 or 4 feet, but can reach heights exceeding 30 feet when grown outdoors in its native habitat.
Usually deep olive green and paddle-shaped, growing up to 8 inches in length. There’s also a cultivar with striking yellow and green variegated foliage (Clusia ‘Variegata’), but it can be difficult to find.
Plants rarely bloom indoors, but may develop light pink and white flowers when grown outdoors, followed by small apple-like fruits.
As a proud autograph plant parent, I know how disheartening it can be to find those beautiful leaves ravaged by creepy crawlers. But don’t dismay! With some diligence and TLC, you can defend your precious plant baby against those pesky invaders.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common autograph plant pests and provide tips to banish them for good Let’s get growing!
What Bugs Tend to Bug Autograph Plants?
Autograph plants may look delicate but they can withstand their fair share of pests. Here are the usual suspects to watch out for
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Spider Mites: These tiny vampires suck the sap straight out of your plant’s leaves, leaving behind yellowing, dry, and stippled foliage. They thrive in hot, dry environments.
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Mealybugs You’ll find these sap-sucking scaled insects clustered on the undersides of leaves or stems, encased in a white cottony substance They can spread quickly
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Scale Insects: Similar to mealybugs, these immobile pests attach themselves to stems and leaves to feed, eventually causing leaf yellowing and drop. Their shells protect them from sprays.
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Aphids: These soft-bodied pear-shaped bugs come in green, yellow, black or red, and secrete a sticky honeydew that can attract other pests. They cause curling and distortion of leaves when feeding.
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Thrips: Slender insects that rasp and feed on leaves, causing silver streaks and scarring. They move quickly and hide out in flowers and buds.
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Fungus Gnats: Harmless to plants, but their larvae feed on roots, which can stunt growth. Adults are a nuisance, laying eggs in damp soil.
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Whiteflies: Winged white insects that fly up in a cloud when disturbed. They feed on sap, causing yellowing, wilting, or leaf drop.
Stop Pests in Their Tracks with These Prevention Tips
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Let’s protect your autograph plant from ever getting infested in the first place:
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Inspect leaves regularly for eggs, larvae, honeydew, and other signs of infestation. Catch issues early before they spiral out of control.
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Keep leaves dust-free by gently wiping them down every couple weeks. Dust attracts pests.
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Ensure proper air circulation so leaves can breathe. Stagnant air spreads pests more easily.
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Maintain ideal growing conditions. A strong plant is more resistant to bugs than a stressed one.
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Quarantine new plants before introducing to check for hitchhiking pests.
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Remove and destroy severely infested leaves/stems immediately to prevent spread.
An vigilant eye and robust plant health are your best defenses against pesky critters!
Fight Back Against Bugs with These Organic Control Methods
Uh oh, looks like some mini monsters have mounted an attack on your autograph plant leaves. Time to send in reinforcements! Here are some safe organic options to annihilate those invaders:
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Insecticidal soap: The chemicals penetrate soft-bodied pests like aphids, disrupting their membranes and causing dehydration. It’s safe for plants when used as directed.
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Neem oil: This organic pesticide coats bugs to prevent feeding and disrupts their reproductive cycle. It also repels pests and can be used as a preventative.
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Horticultural oils: These oils smother soft-bodied insects and mites while being gentle on plants. Some also disrupt pest enzyme production and feeding.
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Diatomaceous earth: The razor-sharp fossilized algae shreds the exoskeletons of crawling insects like thrips. Apply a dusting to the soil or leaf tops.
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Pyrethrins: Naturally derived from chrysanthemums, pyrethrins attack the nervous systems of pests. Use pyrethrin-based sprays as a contact treatment.
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Insecticidal soap: Kills soft-bodied insects by dissolving fats and oils in their outer membranes and causing dehydration. Safe for plants when label directions are followed.
With persistence and proper application, these organic solutions can purge those pesky bugs and get your autograph plant back to its beautiful self in no time!
Outsmart Fungus Gnats and Shore Flies
Fungus gnats and shore flies may not directly damage your plant, but they can be a major nuisance. Here’s how to send them packing:
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Let soil dry out completely between waterings to deter larvae from laying eggs.
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Place yellow sticky strips nearby to trap unsuspecting adults.
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Introduce natural predators like beneficial nematodes to hunt larvae in the soil.
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Remove decaying plant material and overripe fruit, prime shore fly attractants.
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Repot with fresh soil to eliminate larvae from root zone.
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Sprinkle a thin layer of sand on soil to deter adults from laying eggs.
With persistence, you can break the breeding cycle of these annoying flyers and restore peace to your plant sanctuary once more.
When All Else Fails: Control Severe Infestations Chemically
Uh oh. After trying everything, those invaders are still swarming your poor autograph plant. It’s time to pull out the big guns – traditional insecticides:
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Systemic insecticides like acephate are absorbed by plants and distributed through their tissues to poison feeding pests.
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Contact insecticides like malathion kill pests on direct contact through the leaves or soil.
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Insect growth regulators like azadirachtin disrupt the molting process, preventing pests from reaching maturity.
Use extreme caution when applying traditional insecticides:
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Carefully follow label directions to avoid harming your plant. Start with lowest recommended dose.
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Apply selectively only on heavily infested areas, not the entire plant.
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Spray in the evening to reduce impact on beneficial pollinators. Avoid blooms.
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Wear protective gear like gloves, long sleeves, goggles to minimize exposure. Work in a ventilated area.
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Wash plant thoroughly after application to remove residue.
With judicious use, even powerful chemicals can eliminate severe pest issues when natural methods fail. But always exercise caution!
The End Game: Restore Your Autograph Plant’s Glory
Phew, what a battle! But with determination and diligence, you can help your autograph plant emerge victorious against those invasive pests.
Once the infestation clears up, your plant will be ready to thrive once again. Support it with extra TLC:
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Give it a nutrient boost with compost tea to help damaged leaves recover.
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Increase humidity around the plant to prevent spider mite recurrence.
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Shower your plant to wash away any remaining pests or residue.
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Prune away any damaged leaves/stems so fresh new growth can take over.
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Continue monitoring closely for signs of reinfestation. Be ready to act quickly!
With time and care, your beloved autograph plant will regain its health, vibrancy, and pesky pest-free status! So don’t fret – with the help of this trusty guide, you’ve got this. Happy growing!
HouseplantsDiscover the right indoor plants for your home.
Tattoo™ Princess autograph tree. Photo by: Proven Winners.
Autograph tree (Clusia rosea) may just be one of coolest houseplants that you’ve never heard of. Hailing from the tropics, this ultra-trendy tree is starting to show up in nurseries and garden centers everywhere, and is well worth seeking out if you’re looking for a lush, leafy houseplant that is remarkably easy to care for.
As the name suggests, autograph tree’s most unique feature is its ability to be personalized. You can actually carve your name or initials into one of its thick, leathery leaves and the writing will remain, even as the leaf grows in size.
It also has a nice, full shape, with leaves and branches that extend symmetrically from a sturdy central stalk. Another plus: Autograph tree is one of the few houseplants capable of absorbing carbon dioxide at night and converting it into oxygen, making it a super-efficient indoor air purifier.
Clusia rosea (Not to be confused with Clusia guttifera, or small leaf clusia, a similar species commonly grown outdoors as a shrub or hedge.)
Autograph tree, balsam apple, pitch apple, Scotch attorney, signature tree, Florida clusia
Native to southern Florida as well as the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America
When grown in pots indoors, it rarely grows taller than 3 or 4 feet, but can reach heights exceeding 30 feet when grown outdoors in its native habitat.
Usually deep olive green and paddle-shaped, growing up to 8 inches in length. There’s also a cultivar with striking yellow and green variegated foliage (Clusia ‘Variegata’), but it can be difficult to find.
Plants rarely bloom indoors, but may develop light pink and white flowers when grown outdoors, followed by small apple-like fruits.
Is autograph plant toxic?
The fruit of the autograph tree is considered to be the most toxic part, but the foliage can also cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep out of reach of children and pets. (See this guidance from the ASPCA.)
Clusia rosea is a hemiepiphyte, which means it often begins life as an epiphyte growing on other trees, obtaining all its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. It eventually develops hanging aerial roots that reach the ground and take root in the soil.
Photo by: Benoit GVA / Shutterstock
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.
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.
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.
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.
7 Pests You Probably Have In Your Garden (And What To Do)
FAQ
How to trim an autograph plant?