Light:

Grow in full sun (southern exposure); however, they can be maintained in partial sun (an east or west exposure) although it will restrict flowering.

Temperature:

50° is a general minimum when grown as a container plant, although they can tolerate temperatures to just above freezing for short periods.

Humidity:

Preferably 50% or higher; however, they will tolerate low levels with no harm.

Watering:

Bring the soil to visual dryness between waterings.  When watering, thoroughly water until a little water trickles out of the bottom of the pot; don’t water again until the soil surface is visually dry.

Fertilizer:

Fertilize once a week with 1/4 tsp. of a balanced soluble fertilizer per gallon of water. Under cooler winter temperatures and lower light levels, stop feeding Excessive fertilization can induce soft growth and reduce flowering and fruiting, so it’s best to error on the lean side

Pruning:

Periodic pruning is necessary to maintain shape. Often branches will develop that reach out and up. These can be pruned back to maintain size and form.  Flowers form on the mature wood and side branches so the inner branches need to be left to grow.

Insects and Disease:

  They have susceptibility to aphids, especially when growth is soft and too-heavily fertilized.  Diseases are generally not a problem.

Comments:  

Malpighia are fast and easy to grow having strong and resilient root systems.  M. glabra as a southern plant will fruit and flower several times throughout the year.  In the north it is generally a summer fruiting plant that benefits from being grown outdoors during the summer months.