The fast-growing autograph tree has stiff, leathery dark green or olive-colored leaves that grow to about eight inches long. The leaves are tough enough that they can be carved, hence the common name “autograph tree.” It has long flower heads with pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer, followed by small green fruits that ripen to black and eventually split open to reveal bright red seeds. The seeds are attractive to birds and other fauna. The autograph tree is commonly grown as an indoor plant. In zones 10 and 11, it can be planted outside in spring or fall. The plant is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Grown as a houseplant, the autograph tree needs warmth, humidity, and moderate sunlight. A room with a south-or west-facing window is ideal to give it a few hours of bright sun plus some indirect light and shade.
Light
Full sun is best, but this plant can tolerate partial shade. When it is grown indoors as a houseplant, it will cope with medium light levels and some degree of shade.
Soil
A sandy, soft, loose, well-draining soil is best. It should be fertile and rich in organic matter. When growing in pots, blend the potting mix with a small amount of growing medium for orchids.
Water
The autograph tree should be watered regularly for the first year until the plant is fully established. You can scale back its water after that, although regular watering will help it grow more fully. This species is fairly drought-tolerant, but you should never let the soil get completely dry. When grown as a houseplant, it typically needs water once a week in summer and three times per month in winter.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant can be kept outside only in tropical areas, as it will not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Indoors, it prefers temperatures between 60 and 85. It also prefers high humidity. If you have an indoor container plant, you can place it on a shallow tray filled with gravel and water, and mist regularly.
Fertilizer
Fertilize three times per year in the spring, summer, and fall. Use organic, granular fertilizer. Or, you can fertilize more frequently with an evenly balanced diluted liquid fertilizer. For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
Propagating the Autograph Tree
Clusia rosea is a hemiepiphyte, a plant that spends the first part of its life cycle as an epiphyte growing on another tree or structure without being parasitic. It grows toward the ground until it eventually plants itself in the soil. Over time, it overgrows and eventually suffocates its host. This growth pattern is what has made the autograph tree a dangerous invasive species in several tropical areas. The autograph tree can be grown fairly easily from stem cuttings, which is the recommended method of propagation (the seeds are not readily available for purchase).
Potting and Repotting
Due to its quick growth, Clusia rosea can often overgrow its container. To repot, lift out the root ball as a whole and move to a larger container that can accommodate the root system. As the plant matures, it may become too large to be kept in containers at all unless it is well-pruned. If the climate is suitable, large plants can be replanted outdoors.
Overwintering
The autograph tree is a tropical plant that does not tolerate frost. If you live in a climate where winter temperatures, even occasionally, fall below freezing, growing it in the landscape is not an option. Container-grown plants need to be brought indoors and kept as a houseplant when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Common Pests
While the autograph tree is generally not prone to serious pests or diseases, it can get scale, mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. Use insecticidal soap as needed.
