Adinandra forbesii Plant Care

Adinandra forbesii (Adinandra forbesii) belongs to the Pentaphylacaceae family within the Adinandra genus. Adinandra forbesii is native to New Guinea island, within the nation of Papua New Guinea, and in the Western New Guinea region of Indonesia.

Adinandra forbesii displays a slow-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Adinandra forbesii produces small white or pink fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Adinandra forbesii every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Adinandra forbesii thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Adinandra forbesii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Adinandra forbesii prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Adinandra forbesii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Adinandra forbesii every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining acidic soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Adinandra forbesii is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Adinandra forbesii can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Adinandra forbesii while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Adinandra forbesii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Adinandra forbesii can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to adinandra angulata plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Adinandra forbesii is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Adinandra forbesii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Adinandra forbesii is native to New Guinea island, within the nation of Papua New Guinea, and in the Western New Guinea region of Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Adinandra forbesii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.