Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus Plant Care

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus (Balf.f.) Friis & Vollesen

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This plant boasts striking red and green leaves with serrated edges, making it a standout in any garden. Originating from Brazil, its unique foliage pattern and vibrant colors make it a highly sought-after addition for plant collectors looking to add a touch of tropical flair to their collection.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus?

Plant Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus?

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus (Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Allophylus genus. Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus is native to northeastern Somalia and the Socotra Archipelago of Yemen.

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus?

Water a young or newly planted Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus Need?

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus Prefer?

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus?

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus?

Feed Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus?

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus?

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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.

How Do You Prune a Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus?

Prune Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus 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.

How Do You Care for a Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus in Winter?

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus 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.

How Do You Propagate a Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus?

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to allophylus aldabricus plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus?

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus Need?

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus is native to northeastern Somalia and the Socotra Archipelago of Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Allophylus genus — compare its care with other Allophylus species on PlantoScan.

Allophylus is part of the Sapindaceae plant family — browse all Sapindaceae genera and species.

Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Allophylus Species

Other Allophylus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus (Balf.f.) Friis & Vollesen, family Sapindaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 51: 802 (1996)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Allophylus rubifolius var. rhusiphyllus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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