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.
Adding plants to your home or office is one of the easiest ways to liven up the space and bring nature indoors And one of the most unique and eye-catching plants you can add is the hanging autograph plant With its cascading stems and round leaves, this plant makes a gorgeous living decoration while purifying the air. Read on to learn all about adding a hanging autograph plant to your home or workspace.
Also known by its botanical name of Curio rowleyanus, the hanging autograph plant is a charming succulent native to South Africa. It’s known for its long, vining stems that hang down, covered in tiny round leaves that look like perfect little beads, leading to its other common name – string of pearls.
This trailing plant looks beautiful in a hanging pot or basket, with its tendrils spilling over the sides. The round leaves are a rich green and plump when the plant is happy. They develop a gorgeous glow when backlit by the sun.
In addition to being visually appealing. the hanging autograph plant has some great benefits
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It’s very low maintenance and handles occasional neglect quite well. Overwatering is the main thing to avoid.
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It filters toxins from indoor air, improving air quality.
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It propagates readily from stem cuttings placed in soil or water.
Choosing Where to Display Your Hanging Autograph Plant
When deciding where to place your new hanging autograph plant, there are a few key factors to consider:
Lighting
This plant thrives best in bright, indirect light. Some morning or late afternoon sun is fine, but avoid prolonged direct sun which can scorch the leaves. East or west-facing windows are ideal. If you don’t have a suitable window, consider supplementing with a grow light.
Temperature
Average indoor temperatures between 60-80°F suit a hanging autograph plant well. Keep away from cold drafts or heating vents that may dry the air excessively.
Placement
Choose a spot where the trailing stems can freely cascade down, whether hanging in front of a window, above a table, or next to shelves. Allow enough space for the plant to grow.
High traffic areas should be avoided to prevent the delicate stems from damage. The stems may also be tempting for curious pets, so hang out of reach of cats and dogs if needed.
How to Plant and Care for a Hanging Autograph Plant
Caring for a hanging autograph plant is fairly simple, but following a few guidelines will keep yours healthy and looking beautiful.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix made for cacti and succulents. Add perlite or small gravel to improve drainage. Shallow pots work best to prevent soggy soil.
Watering
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, then soak the pot thoroughly. The plant stores moisture in its leaves, so less frequent deep watering is best. Water only every 2-3 weeks unless in a very hot, dry environment.
Fertilizer
Apply cactus fertilizer at half strength a few times during the growing season. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which may damage the roots.
Pruning
Trim any dead or damaged vines back to the stem. Pruning frequently keeps the plant compact, but is not mandatory.
Propagation
Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings and allow the ends to callous before placing in moist soil or water. Keep in bright, indirect light until new roots and baby plants form.
Fun Ideas for Showcasing Your Hanging Autograph Plant
A hanging autograph plant has such a unique look, it makes a stylish statement anywhere you place it. Here are some fun ideas:
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Hang above the kitchen sink as an organic alternative to a window treatment.
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Display on a plant stand next to your desk for a living desktop decoration.
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Suspend in front of a bright window for a natural privacy screen.
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Create a textured green wallscape by arranging several pots at staggered heights.
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Pair with other succulents in complementary colors for additional visual interest.
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Weave fairy lights through the tendrils and display on a front porch or patio.
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Give as a gift to fellow plant lovers or indoor gardeners. Present in a decorative basket or planter.
Combining With Other Types of Plants and Decor
When styling your space with a hanging autograph plant, think about creative ways to combine it with other plants, wall art, textiles, and your existing decor.
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Coordinate the plant’s pot with colors used in artwork, pillows, and other accents. Metallic pots have a modern vibe.
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Display alongside other trailing succulents like string of bananas, string of dolphins, or string of turtles.
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Alternate with pots of upright, leafy plants like ferns, philodendrons, or dracaena for contrast in height and texture.
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Add framed botanical prints, plant photography, or even dried and pressed ferns or leaves.
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Incorporate natural textures with rattan, woven woods, linen, and cotton.
FAQs about Hanging Autograph Plants
If you’re new to keeping a hanging autograph plant, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Is the hanging autograph plant toxic to pets?
Yes, like many succulents it can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or other problems if eaten by dogs, cats, or other household pets. It’s best kept somewhere your furry friends can’t access it.
How often should the plant be watered?
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This may mean watering as infrequently as every 2-4 weeks. The plant stores water in its leaves and stems. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot.
What type of soil should I use?
A cactus/succulent potting mix provides the fast drainage these plants need. You can also make your own by mixing potting soil with coarse sand or perlite.
How much light does it need?
Bright, indirect light is essential. Some direct morning or evening sun is fine but avoid intense midday sun which can scorch the leaves.
What’s the best temperature range for this plant?
Average room temperatures between 60-80°F suit it well. Avoid cold drafts.
Bringing the Charm of the Outdoors In
Adding a hanging autograph plant is a gorgeous, unique way to bring a little nature into your home or office. Its trailing stems and neat, plump leaves create a living work of art wherever you hang it. For such a low maintenance plant, it offers big visual impact. Give your space a fresh feel with this fun DIY living decor project.
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.
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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.