Coral Berry (Ardisia) Care: Holiday Berries Year After Year

Festive Shrub

Ardisia crenata bears glossy serrated leaves, summer flowers, and bright red berries arriving at Christmas, lasting until next bloom. Slow-growing to 3 ft indoors.

Care Essentials

• Light: Bright with some direct sun.
• Water: Evenly moist year-round. Never dry out.
• Humidity: Moderate (50–60%). Pebble tray.
• Temp: Cool to average, 45–65°F. Min 45°F winter.
• Soil: Any good mix.
• Fertilizer: Every 2 weeks spring–summer, monthly fall–winter, half-strength balanced.

Troubleshooting

• No flowers? Increase humidity & light in spring during bud set. Mist to deter spider mites.
• Bud drop? Drafts or too cold.

Maintenance

• Prune spring before flowering to keep compact.
• Repot late winter (not during bloom), 1 size up.

Propagation

Seeds in spring, or 4–6 inch stem cuttings in moist peat under plastic. Hit-or-miss.

Reliable holiday color with cool temps and humidity.