How to Care for Ardisia japonica (Marlberry)
Korean name: 자금우
A small evergreen foliage plant with glossy green leaves that grow densely. It retains its leaves during winter and produces red berries. It is easy to grow indoors and thrives in moderate shade.
Key facts
- Category: Foliage plant
- Family: Primulaceae
- Difficulty: Easy
- Where to keep: indoors
- Native to: East Asia (Korea, Japan, China)
- Growth rate: Slow
- Pets: Mildly toxic, so keep pets from chewing on it.
- Traits: beginner-friendly, evergreen, fruiting, shade-tolerant, indoor
- Also known as: Marlberry, Japanese Ardisia
Care Guide
- Light: Avoid direct sunlight and provide bright indirect light.
- Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil is dry.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining soil.
- Humidity: Adapts to average indoor humidity.
- Temperature: 10~25°C
- Fertilizer: Apply liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Common questions
How often should you water Ardisia japonica?
Water thoroughly when the soil is dry. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.
Where should you keep Ardisia japonica?
Light: Avoid direct sunlight and provide bright indirect light. You can grow it indoors. Soil: Prefers well-draining soil.
Is Ardisia japonica safe around pets?
Mildly toxic, so keep pets from chewing on it.
Is Ardisia japonica good for beginners?
Difficulty: Easy. It is forgiving enough for a first plant. Temperature: 10~25°C. Humidity: Adapts to average indoor humidity. Fertiliser: Apply liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.