
The Petite Mishima is a beautiful perennial herb that adds a touch of beauty to just about any space. Known for their tolerance and resistance against most common pests, the Mishima plants can thrive indoors and outdoors.
Unlike most houseplants, the Petite Mishima is extremely easy to care for and can survive various living conditions. The Mishima plant generally requires very little attention and grows wonderfully when its water and lighting needs are met.
Although Mishima plants have an easy-to-moderate care routine, proper attention and focused care can help these houseplants develop high immunity and last a long time. Moreover, proper care can facilitate faster growth and help maintain its lush green appearance.
Continue reading to learn about the Mishima plant’s origin, appearance, and basic care routine.
The Petite Mishima Plants: Origin and Appearance
Table of Contents
The Petite Mishima, or the Marble Queen Pothos, is a popular houseplant that originates from areas of Japan. These Japanese trees are desired for their remarkable resistance and are naturally adapted to growing in tropical climates where humidity levels are high and sunlight intensity is usually low.
As long as you give your Mishima plants the ideal tropical living conditions and feed them the required organic plant food, these perennial herbs will retain their refreshing appeal. This is mainly what makes them so valuable to plant owners and why they cost a pretty penny, too.
Moreover, the Japanese Petite Mishima plants are known for their heart-shaped or oval green leaves marked by unique cream, yellow, or white stripes.
The thickness or clarity of the leaf’s variegation usually depends on the light exposure. The brighter or more direct the sunlight, the less apparent will be its variegation.
Furthermore, like most other Japanese trees, the Petite Mishima plants are also known for their stunning white flowers and aromatic leaves.
Caring for the Petite Mishima in Indoor and Outdoor Settings.
Watering
The Petite Mishima plant is the best houseplant for people looking for easy-to-maintain small indoor trees. Since these houseplants tend to prefer slightly acidic soil, they usually do better with more water.
However, the Mishima plants grown indoors need to be watered more frequently than kept in an outdoor setting.
If you are growing your Petite Mishima plants indoors, water them at least two times a week, while you should water your outdoor Japanese Mishima plants three to four times weekly.
Although the Petite Mishima will thrive in well-watered soils that contain consistent moisture, the exact watering requirement will depend on the external humidity levels.
If you overwater your Petite Mishima plant, the soil will begin accumulating excess moisture, which can lead to fungal diseases like root rot.
During root rot, the Mishima plant’s roots will be consumed and destroyed by a fungal infection, dehydrating the Japanese plant, leading to its premature death.
To avoid over-watering or a fatal fungal infection, check the soil moisture before adding any water to your indoor or outdoor Mishima plant.
Direct Sunlight
The Petite Mishima plant is sensitive to light and grows best under filtered or bright indirect light. While a few hours of bright light is fine for a Mishima plant grown indoors, prolonged exposure can lead to leaf burn and dehydration.
When the Japanese tree is moved outdoors, its internal temperature rises under direct sunlight. As a result, the plant begins to transpire out water to cool down and save itself from overheating. Although this works wonderfully, it can dehydrate the plant, damage its foliage, and lead to excessive leaf loss.
Hence, keeping your indoor Marble Queen Pothos against a sunny window is best. Such low-light conditions help promote the Asian palm tree’s health, growth, and longevity.
Moreover, if the Mishima plant is grown in a region or area where not much light reaches its leaves, it is best to invest in an artificial light source.
Humidity Levels
In general, the Mishima plant requires high humidity levels. Ideally, the air needs to be 60 to 70% humid to promote the plant’s fast and healthy growth.
Although it is quite challenging to control outdoor weather conditions, a humidifier or a ventilation system can help control and alter the humidity indoors.
Temperatures
The Petite Mishima plants are quite sensitive to extreme summer or winter conditions. While the Japanese palm tree is naturally adapted to warm temperatures, strong heat can cause it to dehydrate, lose its green foliage, and eventually droop sidewards.
Moreover, harsh winter weather can affect the Mishima plant’s growth speed and can cause its delicate leaves to curl inwards.
Soil Type
As mentioned above, Petite Mishima plants do best in slightly acidic soil types. The soil should be consistently moist, well-fertilized, and enriched with organic materials.
Common Pests
One of the most commendable qualities of a planted Mishima palm tree is its natural resistance against many common pets.
While spider mites, mealy bugs, or aphids can damage and kill most other plants, the Japanese Mishima usually remains unharmed.
Repotting
It is best to re-pot a Petite Mishima plant into a larger container during a successful growing season.
Since growing Mishima palm trees have a trailing habit, it is best to add a long vertical stick in the middle of the container before planting the palm tree.
Moreover, a Mishima plant’s new pot must have abundant drainage holes, which can help prevent water accumulation and root rot.
Fertilization: Organic Plant Food
Finally, a growing Petite Mishima plant’s health depends on proper fertilization and the availability of organic plant food.
To protect the Mishima plant’s sensitive nature, use a watered-down liquid fertilizer that can add organic micro-nutrients to the soil.
This helps the palm tree grow new branches, strengthen its stems, and develop greener and denser foliage.
Benefits of Owning a Japanese Petite Mishima
The Mishima plant is an evergreen houseplant that can retain its beauty and appeal despite the changing environment
These Japanese trees are known for improving mood, reducing fatigue, and lowering stress or anxiety levels
By planting the Mishima plant inside an office, the employer can benefit from improved employee productivity and performance
The Mishima plants are known for improving air quality, which can help against respiratory disease and can promote better healing
Final Thoughts – The Green Petite Mishima Plant
Although the Petite Mishima plant is highly resistant to a pest infestation, its leaves can be sensitive to external environments.
Hence, the plant must be watered appropriately, kept in low light conditions, planted in consistently moist soils, and provided a humid environment to grow in.