Melastomataceae
Canela-de-velho: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Miconia albicans
Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Water moderately, keeping the soil slightly moist without waterlogging. It is a rustic and easy-to-grow plant, adapted to Cerrado conditions, with vigorous growth in open and sunny areas.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Canela-de-velho?
Canela-de-velho (Miconia albicans) is a easy-care plant from the Melastomataceae family. Canela-de-velho (Miconia albicans) is a shrub or small tree native to the Brazilian Cerrado, belonging to the Melastomataceae family. It can reach 1 to 4 meters in height, with leathery leaves whose undersides are covered with characteristic whitish down. Its white to greenish-cream flowers appear i...
Canela-de-velho grows up to 4.0m, watering every 7 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Canela-de-velho tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Canela-de-velho is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Canela-de-velho?
TLDR: Canela-de-velho needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Canela-de-velho?
Water moderately, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, which favors root rot – the plant is adapted to the well-drained soil of the Cerrado.
How Much Light Does Canela-de-velho Need?
Cultivate in full sun or with good light and light shade only during the hottest hours of the afternoon. The more light it receives, the more vigorous the flowering tends to be.
What Is the Best Soil for Canela-de-velho?
Use well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic pH (5.5 to 6.5). Adding compost or aged manure improves soil fertility and structure.
What Pot Should You Use for Canela-de-velho?
For pot cultivation, prefer large and deep containers with generous drainage holes, as the plant can reach a considerable shrub size. Clay pots help prevent excess moisture in the substrate.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 90 days
What Is Canela-de-velho and Where Does It Come From?
Canela-de-velho (Miconia albicans) is a shrub or small tree native to the Brazilian Cerrado, belonging to the Melastomataceae family. It can reach 1 to 4 meters in height, with leathery leaves whose undersides are covered with characteristic whitish down. Its white to greenish-cream flowers appear in panicles at the end of the dry season, peaking in September. It is a pioneer species, common in Cerrado areas and recently disturbed sites, well-known in Brazilian folk medicine for the use of its leaves in anti-inflammatory teas and ointments.
How Big Does Canela-de-velho Grow?
TLDR: Canela-de-velho can reach up to 4.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
4.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Anti-inflammatory
- Relief of joint pain (arthritis and osteoarthritis)
- Analgesic
- Antioxidant
- Aid in gastric problems
- Traditional use for snake bites (anti-ophidic)
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Canela-de-velho?
TLDR: Canela-de-velho is susceptible to 3 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.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Meaning & Symbolism
Associated with wisdom and popular healing of the Brazilian Cerrado, Canela-de-velho carries in its name the tradition of indigenous and 'caboclo' roots, symbolizing the healing power of native plants and the knowledge passed down through generations in the use of medicinal herbs.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Canela de velho: o que é, para que serve (e como fazer o chá) - Tua Saúde
- Como plantar canela de velho: guia completo - Mapa Agro
- Miconia albicans - Wikipedia
- Plantas do Cerrado Paulista: Miconia albicans - Melastomataceae
- Potencial farmacológico da canela-de-velho (Miconia albicans): Uma revisão integrativa
