Lamiaceae
Premna: Tropical Shrub for Bonsai and Hedge
Premna
Fast-growing tropical shrub that thrives in full sun or bright indirect light, watered every 4 days in well-draining soil. Excellent for bonsai cultivation or as a hedge in tropical and subtropical climates.
Every 4 days
Bright indirect
10° - 35°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Premna?
Premna (Premna) is a medium-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Premna is a genus of tropical shrubs and small trees in the family Lamiaceae, native to Asia, Africa, and Oceania. It is prized in Asia — especially P. microphylla and P. serratifolia — as a bonsai subject and hedge plant, valued for its dense foliage and fast growth.
Premna grows up to 8.0m, with spread of 400cm, watering every 4 days, 10°C – 35°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Premna is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 8 days.
How to Care for Premna?
TLDR: Premna needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 10-35°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Premna?
Water thoroughly every 4 days or when the top layer of soil begins to dry. Avoid waterlogging and use low-calcium water when possible. In winter, keep slightly moist.
How Much Light Does Premna Need?
Prefers full sun or bright light — at least 4–6 hours daily. Indoor specimens benefit from a south-facing window or supplemental grow lights.
What Is the Best Soil for Premna?
Use well-draining bonsai soil or a mix of potting soil, sand, and grit. Optimal pH 6.0–7.5. Avoid compacted or waterlogged substrates.
What Pot Should You Use for Premna?
Shallow ceramic or bonsai pots with good drainage. Wider, shallower pots suit bonsai training.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 90 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Premna and Where Does It Come From?
Premna is a genus of tropical shrubs and small trees in the family Lamiaceae, native to Asia, Africa, and Oceania. It is prized in Asia — especially P. microphylla and P. serratifolia — as a bonsai subject and hedge plant, valued for its dense foliage and fast growth.
How Big Does Premna Grow?
TLDR: Premna can reach up to 8.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
8.0m
Spread
4.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Bark and leaves used in traditional Asian medicine for fever, rheumatism, and as an anti-inflammatory
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Premna?
TLDR: Premna is susceptible to 8 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Meaning & Symbolism
In Asian cultures, Premna symbolizes resilience and longevity, commonly shaped as bonsai to represent patience and the harmony of nature in miniature.
Fun Facts
Premna microphylla is one of the most popular bonsai subjects in southern China and Japan.
The Premna genus contains over 200 species spread across tropical Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Several Premna species have recognized medicinal uses in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.
Frequently asked questions
Can Premna be grown indoors?
How often should I water Premna?
Is Premna toxic to pets?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Wild Lettuce | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Cape Primrose | Medium | Partial shade | 7d | ✓ |
| Honey Locust | Medium | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
