Turnipwood Plant Care

Turnipwood (Akania bidwillii) belongs to the Akaniaceae family within the Akania genus. Turnipwood is native to subtropical and warm-temperate coastal rainforests in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia.

Turnipwood displays a small tree, upright habit growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Turnipwood produces small clusters of fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Turnipwood every 7–10 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.

Turnipwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Akania bidwillii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Turnipwood prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, well-draining soil with added compost and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Turnipwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Turnipwood 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 full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with added compost and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Turnipwood is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Turnipwood can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Turnipwood 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.

Turnipwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Turnipwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Turnipwood 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.

Turnipwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Turnipwood is native to subtropical and warm-temperate coastal rainforests in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. In cooler regions, grow Turnipwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.