Bikkia tetrandra
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Bikkia tetrandra

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
0
Observations
16

Description

Source: leafsnap

Bikkia tetrandra (Chamorro: gausali) is an herbaceous member of the family Rubiaceae. It is native to Papuasia and islands of the western Pacific. The stems ignite easily and can be used to make torches or candles.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Torchwood comes from open habitats like sunny meadows and forest margins, where light is abundant. It performs best in full sun but can withstand partial sun, adapting well to different sunlight levels.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Torchwood comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. As a result, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature shifts and prefers a stable thermal environment, so it's important to avoid indoor temperature fluctuations. It usually cannot withstand cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Torchwood is in early spring as it comes out of dormancy. This encourages overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging flowers that are large, vivid, and long-lasting. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Torchwood is a resilient plant that requires minimal care. For healthy growth, it is important to prune it optimally in early spring. Removing dead branches will improve airflow, but be careful not to over-prune as this can stress the plant. Regular maintenance helps prevent disease and encourages vibrant blooms, which enhance its beauty and extend its lifespan.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Bikkia
Family
Rubiaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
0.91 m to 3.05 m
Mature Spread
0.91 m to 2.13 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
5.08 cm to 6.35 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall
Native Area
Vanuatu, Fiji

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