Leea amabilis is a tropical shrub from Borneo, grown for its dramatic leaves: dark bronze-green leaflets with a bright white or silver stripe along the midrib. New leaves open red to pink before turning dark. It belongs to the grape family (Vitaceae) and, indoors, usually grows to about 1–1.8 m (3–6 ft).
It is a good plant for beginners who can give it steady warmth and humidity. Here is what it needs.
Leea amabilis at a glance
- Botanical name: Leea amabilis (Vitaceae)
- Origin: Borneo
- Size indoors: about 1–1.8 m (3–6 ft)
- Light: bright, indirect or light shade
- Watering: keep evenly moist, never soggy
- Humidity: 60% or higher
- Temperature: 20–30 °C (68–86 °F); keep it above 15 °C (59 °F)
- Growth: slow to moderate
Light
In the wild Leea amabilis grows in the understorey, shaded by taller trees. Give it bright, indirect light or light shade. Direct sun bleaches and scorches the leaves, while a very dark corner slows growth and dulls the stripes.
Soil
Use a rich, well-draining potting mix with plenty of air in it: a standard houseplant mix with added bark and perlite works well. The air pockets help the roots breathe and protect against rot if you water a little too much.
Watering
Leea amabilis likes evenly moist soil. Water when the top 2–3 cm feels dry, which in warm weather may be two or three times a week, and much less in cooler months. Do not let the pot dry out completely: the plant reacts by dropping leaflets. Equally, never leave it standing in water. Rainwater or filtered water avoids the white mineral marks hard tap water can leave on the leaves.
Humidity
Aim for 60% humidity or more. In dry rooms, a humidifier works best; grouping plants together also helps. A young plant can be kept under a clear cover for a few weeks to raise humidity, as long as there is some air exchange.
Temperature
Coming from a lowland rainforest, Leea amabilis is happiest at 20–30 °C. It does not tolerate cold: below about 15 °C it stops growing and leaves start to drop, and frost kills it. Keep it away from cold windows and drafts in winter.
Feeding and pests
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength once a month in spring and summer. Leea amabilis is fairly pest resistant, but check under the leaves occasionally for spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry air.
When your plant arrives
Our plants travel bare-root, with the roots wrapped in moss. Unpack carefully on the day they arrive, remove the moss without tearing the roots, and pot the plant in slightly moist mix. A tired-looking plant after a long trip is normal as long as the roots are firm. Keep it warm, humid and out of direct sun for two to three weeks. Our guide on helping plants recover after shipping covers the details.
Frequently asked questions
Is Leea amabilis easy to care for?
Yes, if it gets steady warmth, humidity and evenly moist soil. Most problems come from cold, dry air or letting the soil dry out completely.
Why is my Leea amabilis dropping leaves?
Usually because the soil dried out, the air is too dry, or the plant got cold. Check all three and keep conditions steady.
How big does Leea amabilis get?
Indoors it usually reaches about 1 to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft) over several years.
Current availability is shown on the Leea amabilis product page.
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