0How it thrives
Watermedium
Lightbright indirect
Humiditymedium
Min. temperature-20 °CJanuary
Only very rarely, a little water so the roots don’t dry out completely.
No feeding now.
It can stay outside. Wrap the pot (hessian, polystyrene) and keep it against the house wall, out of the rain.
February
Only very rarely, a little water so the roots don’t dry out completely.
No feeding now.
It can stay outside. Wrap the pot (hessian, polystyrene) and keep it against the house wall, out of the rain.
March
Gentle start: the first small drink once you see buds or new growth and it warms up.
First weak dose at the end of the month if it is actively growing.
Bright spot, east or west window.
Move it somewhere brighter and warmer and end wintering. Get it used to strong sun gradually.
It flowers next month – once you see buds, don’t move it any more.
April
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Bright spot, east or west window.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
May
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
June
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
July
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
August
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
September
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
No feeding now.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
October
Taper off gradually: very little by the end of the month.
No feeding now.
Bright spot, east or west window.
Move it to its cool, bright winter spot and taper off watering. Log it with one click in the Care hub.
November · now
Only very rarely, a little water so the roots don’t dry out completely.
No feeding now.
It can stay outside. Wrap the pot (hessian, polystyrene) and keep it against the house wall, out of the rain.
December
Only very rarely, a little water so the roots don’t dry out completely.
No feeding now.
It can stay outside. Wrap the pot (hessian, polystyrene) and keep it against the house wall, out of the rain.
Check inside the shrub for box tree moth caterpillars every spring.
Japanese box – what to know
Japanese box (Buxus microphylla) belongs to the Buxaceae family (genus Buxus) and is listed in our catalog under “Tree / bonsai”. Its needs – light: bright indirect; water: medium; humidity: medium. Frost-hardy to about -20 °C – it can overwinter outdoors in many climates. Rest period: cold winter dormancy. Typical flowering time: April. Easy enough for beginners. For cats: moderately toxic; for dogs: moderately toxic. Keep it out of reach and call a vet straight away if you suspect poisoning. Nobody on Perfect Plants Club has added it to their collection yet – be the first!
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Japanese box?
Moderately: water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, and never let it sit in standing water.
How much light does Japanese box need?
It likes bright but indirect light, such as near an east- or west-facing window.
How cold can Japanese box get?
Frost-hardy to about -20 °C – it can overwinter outdoors in many climates.
Is Japanese box toxic to cats and dogs?
For cats: moderately toxic; for dogs: moderately toxic. Keep it out of reach and call a vet straight away if you suspect poisoning.
When does Japanese box flower?
Typical flowering time: April.
What members’ data shows
When does it really bloom?
No blooms logged yet. If yours flowers, your data will be the first!
Average watering interval
Not enough watering logs yet. Waterings logged in the care hub feed this chart.
Tips and questions about this species
Buxus
Care data is for guidance only.
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