Red Leea

Other common names: Mali-mali, Puchok Merah, Mali-Mali, Red Tree-Vine, Red Tree Shrub

Red leeas are a hardy free-flowering shrub that is commonly seen in rewilding areas, nature parks, in roadside gardens, and biodiversity-attracting gardens. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, while the fruits attract birds and small mammals. This plant is also native to Singapore and is naturally found growing along primary and secondary forests.

A perennial flower, red leeas are useful as biodiversity-attracting plants and perimeter plants to add a pop of colour to any garden.

Sun and soil needs:

This plant thrives in 4-8 hours of direct sunlight. Plants do best in pots with loamy soil at least 30cm deep, or in true ground. These plants are vulnerable to root rot, so ensure that your pots drain well, and that your soil has plenty of organic matter to let the roots breathe.

Growing:

Red leeas are rapid growers and generally does not need fertilizing. The shrub can rapidly grow up to 3m in height and will need to be pruned regularly. Regular pruning to promote airflow will keep the plant healthy and neat.

Propagation:

Red leeas can be grown from seed or woody cuttings with rooting hormone.

Common problems & solutions:

This plant is relatively resistant to pests and disease if kept healthy.

If the plant does not receive enough light, it will stop producing flowers. Prune surrounding plants or move the plant to a sunnier spot to promote flower growth.

Mealy bugs and scale insects often infest the plant if it has underlying problems like waterlogging. Mechanical pest control methods like pruning the infested parts are the best methods for managing these pests in the short term, but resolving the underlying problem will prevent them in the long term.