Cactaceae
Wax Rose (Leuenbergeria bleo)
Leuenbergeria bleo
Easy in warm climates. Give it plenty of light, moderate watering and frost protection. Wear gloves when pruning because the spines hurt.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
0° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Wax Rose?
Wax Rose (Leuenbergeria bleo) is a easy-care plant from the Cactaceae family. A cactus that looks like an ordinary shrub: it has real leaves, 2 to 8 inches long, wrinkled and wavy edged, on woody stems covered in fine black spines. The flowers look like small orange-red roses, about 2 inches across, and the fruit is yellow and sour. It comes from the moist forests of Panama a...
Wax Rose grows up to 8.0m, watering every 7 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Wax Rose tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Wax Rose is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Wax Rose?
TLDR: Wax Rose needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 0-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Wax Rose?
Water when the soil dries out, about once a week in warm weather. Cut back in the cold: wet roots rot.
How Much Light Does Wax Rose Need?
Full sun or part shade. Indoors, keep it by your brightest window.
What Is the Best Soil for Wax Rose?
Use rich soil that drains well, and do not leave water sitting in the saucer.
What Pot Should You Use for Wax Rose?
A big, heavy pot with drainage holes, since the plant gets tall and can tip over.
What Is Wax Rose and Where Does It Come From?
A cactus that looks like an ordinary shrub: it has real leaves, 2 to 8 inches long, wrinkled and wavy edged, on woody stems covered in fine black spines. The flowers look like small orange-red roses, about 2 inches across, and the fruit is yellow and sour. It comes from the moist forests of Panama and Colombia, where it can reach about 26 feet, but it stays far smaller in a pot or yard. It is easy to mix up with Pereskia grandifolia, which has thicker, smoother leaves and pink flowers. Outdoors it fits USDA zones 9 to 11.
How to Propagate Wax Rose?
Stem cutting
Fresh cuttings can also root in water.
- 1 Wearing gloves, cut a healthy piece of stem.
- 2 Plant it in light, fast-draining soil.
- 3 Water lightly until new leaves appear.
Materials needed:
Seed
Use fully yellow fruit.
- 1 Take the black seeds out of a ripe yellow fruit.
- 2 Sow in light soil and keep it moist and warm.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Wax Rose Grow?
TLDR: Wax Rose can reach up to 8.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
8.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal Uses
- Leaves traditionally used in Malaysia for rheumatism and ulcers (traditional use; ask a doctor)
Culinary Uses
- Sour fruit recorded as edible (check before eating)
- Leaves eaten as a vegetable in Malaysia and China (traditional use)
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Wax Rose?
TLDR: Wax Rose is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
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.
Fun Facts
In Malaysia it is called jarum tujuh bilah, "seven needles".
Main stems can carry up to 40 spines per areole.
The Kuna of Central America used crushed leaves to clear drinking water.
Frequently asked questions
Is this really a cactus?
How is it different from Pereskia grandifolia?
Is it toxic?
Why did the leaves fall off?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Wikipedia - Leuenbergeria bleo
- NParks Flora & Fauna Web - Leuenbergeria bleo
- StuartXchange - Rose cactus
- Top Tropicals - Leuenbergeria bleo
- NYBG Plant Information - Pereskia bleo vs P. grandifolia
- Acute oral toxicity of Pereskia bleo and P. grandifolia in mice (Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2010)
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox - Pereskia
