Christmas berry (Ardisia crenata)

Also known as: Coral ardisia, Australian holly, Spiceberry, Hilo holly, Scratch throat

The Christmas berry, a small ornamental shrub, is popular as a houseplant due to its vivid red berries and shiny green leaves. Its ease of care makes it a favored choice for indoor decoration. While it's especially popular during the holiday season, its vibrant berries provide charm year-round.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Christmas berry

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

46 cm to 1.8 m

Spread

1.2 m to 1.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

4 mm to 6 mm

Flower Color

White Pink

Images of Christmas berry

Quickly Identify Christmas berry

Vertical growth up to 6 feet (1.83 meters)

Leaves with crenulated edges and pointed anthers

Star-shaped white to pink flowers in clusters

Glossy red berries persistently attached to branches

Thick, glossy, leathery leaves with wavy margins

Scientific Classification of Christmas berry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Heathers and allies

Family

Primrose

Genus

Marlberry

Species

Christmas berry

Planting and Growing of Christmas berry

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Christmas berry?

When watering Ardisia crenata, it is best to ensure the soil is thoroughly moist, but not waterlogged. Use approximately 200 ml of water, ensuring even distribution to prevent any dry pockets but stopping before water pools at the surface.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Christmas berry? ›

What should I do if my Christmas berry is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Christmas berry? ›

How to save an overwatered Christmas berry? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Christmas berry?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 4 hours daily

Ardisia crenata thrives best in partial sun to full shade, allowing it to photosynthesize efficiently without risk of leaf burn. Ideal lighting helps maintain lush foliage, encourages flowering and overall plant health, contributing to a more robust and attractive appearance.

What conditions are ideal for Ardisia crenata? ›

How can one achieve ideal lighting conditions? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Ardisia crenata? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Christmas berry?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Ardisia crenata thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range optimizes its physiological functions and growth. Within this temperature bracket, the plant's metabolic processes are at their peak efficiency, ensuring vibrant foliage and healthy flowering.

What Soil is Best for Christmas berry?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 6.5

Ardisia crenata thrives in soil that is rich in organic matter. This ensures that the plant has access to nutrients necessary for robust growth and vibrant foliage. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil fertility. The plant requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot, which can occur if water remains stagnant around the roots. Proper drainage can be achieved by ensuring a good mix of sand and organic material. While drainage is crucial, the soil should also retain some moisture to keep the roots adequately hydrated. This balance ensures the plant remains healthy and can sustain growth throughout dry spells.

How to Fertilize Christmas berry?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Ardisia crenata requires moderate fertilization. For liquid fertilizers, a balanced water-soluble formula diluted at half the recommended rate is sufficient. For slow-release fertilizers, apply about one teaspoon per six-inch pot to provide consistent nutrients over time.

How to Prune Christmas berry?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by inspecting the plant for any dead or damaged leaves, which should be removed first. Next, trim back any overly long branches to maintain the plant’s desired shape. Focus on the outer and topmost branches to encourage a bushy and compact form. Finally, remove any shoots growing from the base to prevent them from sapping energy from the main plant. When pruning, pay close attention to any signs of disease such as discolored or wilting leaves. Remove these parts promptly and ensure that your tools are disinfected before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.

How to Propagate Christmas berry plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Harvest mature seeds from a healthy Ardisia crenata plant. Ensure seeds are fully ripe by waiting for the berries to become soft and red. Clean them by removing any pulp before sowing or storing them.

Select a healthy stem with several nodes and at least 15 cm in length. Use sterilized pruning shears to cut the stem at an angle just below a node. Remove any flowers or fruits and leaves along the lower half to reduce stress.

Division involves separating a mature plant into smaller sections, each with roots. Gently loosen the soil and carefully divide the plant, ensuring each section has enough root mass to sustain itself when replanted.

How to Repot Christmas berry plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

You should consider repotting Ardisia crenata when you notice its roots start poking out of the drainage holes or the soil seems compacted. Another sign is stunted growth, where the plant appears to not be thriving in its current container. Spring and autumn are optimal, as this is when the plant is actively growing or preparing to rest.

Opt for a pot that's slightly larger than the current one, with good drainage holes. Terracotta pots are ideal because they allow excess moisture to evaporate, preventing root rot. Having a marginally bigger pot gives roots room to expand without drowning the plant in excessive soil that retains too much moisture.

Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one rich in organic matter like peat and perlite. This kind of soil ensures that excess water doesn't cling to roots, reducing the risk of root rot. The added organic matter keeps the substrate fertile, providing essential nutrients for healthy growth.

Toxicity of Christmas berry

Is Christmas berry toxic to humans?

The Christmas berry plant features glossy leaves and vivid red berries that may attract the attention of young children, necessitating that it be placed well beyond their reach. Although extensive research regarding its potential toxicity to humans remains limited, this shrub has been held responsible for several fatalities among livestock, and consuming its leaves or berries can lead to significant discomfort. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, particularly if substantial quantities are consumed. It is crucial to ensure that young children are kept away from this plant.

Is Christmas berry toxic to cat?

Christmas berry presents a slight toxicity risk for cats. The toxic effects typically arise only when significant amounts are ingested; however, owners should remain vigilant regarding their pets consuming any portion of the christmas berry, especially the fruits and leaves. Exposure can result in symptoms of physical discomfort, necessitating urgent veterinary care. To safeguard your cat, restrict their access to christmas berry and seek immediate treatment if any ingestion occurs.

Is Christmas berry toxic to dog?

Christmas berry carries a slight toxicity risk for dogs. Although it is not extremely toxic, consuming large amounts can result in poisoning. Dogs may be drawn to the fruits and leaves of the christmas berry, which are the harmful components of the plant. Signs of poisoning may include gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is essential for dog owners to supervise their pets and restrict access to these parts of the plant. If a dog does ingest christmas berry, it is vital to seek veterinary attention promptly to ensure appropriate treatment and management of any symptoms.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.