Plant Care Carolina Holly

Carolina Holly

Also known as

Ilex ambigua, Ilex ambigua ambigua, Ilex ambigua channellii, Ilex ambigua coriacea, Ilex ambigua mollis, Ilex beadlei, Ilex beadlei laevis, Ilex buswellii, Ilex buswellii channellii, Ilex caroliniana jejuna, Ilex dubia, Ilex dubia beadlei, Ilex dubia chapmaniana, Ilex dubia condensata, Ilex dubia genuina, Ilex dubia grayiana, Ilex dubia mollis, Ilex dubia monticola, Ilex dubia pseudoambigua, Ilex mollis, Ilex montana beadlei, Ilex montana mollis, Prinos dubius, Synstima acuminata, Synstima ambigua and Synstima caroliniana

Taxonomy

Ilex ambigua
Ilex
Aquifoliaceae
Aquifoliales

How to care for Carolina Holly

💦 Water

How often to water your Carolina Holly

Water needs for Carolina Holly
0.5 cups
every 9

Carolina Holly needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Carolina Holly in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Carolina Holly: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Carolina Holly love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Carolina Holly does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Carolina Holly in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Carolina Holly

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Carolina Holly: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Carolina Holly after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Carolina Holly prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Carolina Holly requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Carolina Holly is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Carolina Holly is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.


🪴 Soil

Carolina Holly is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.


💩 Fertilizer

Carolina Holly grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Carolina Holly can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 6a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.


🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Carolina Holly, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Carolina Holly

Carolina Holly


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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