Bitterwood (Quassia amara)
Care, watering, light and tips for Bitterwood on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Simaroubaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Bitterwood
Quassia amara, commonly known as quassia or bitterwood, is an ornamental shrub or small tree prized for its striking tubular red flowers and pinnate leaves. Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, it adds an exotic touch to tropical and subtropical gardens, or can be grown in pots in bright indoor settings. Its vibrant inflorescences, often visited by hummingbirds, make it an attractive focal point.
Native range
Tropical Central and South America
Care tips
It requires direct sunlight or bright partial shade for optimal flowering. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during warmer months; reduce in winter. It prefers rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soils. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity, which can lead to leaf tip browning.
How to save a dying Bitterwood
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or sudden leaf drop, soft stems or spots.
- First aid
- Check drainage and watering. Reduce direct sun if very weak.
- What kills it
- Overwatering rotting roots or lack of drainage, causing root suffocation.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and stems are firm.