Allowoodsonia whitmorei Plant Care
Allowoodsonia whitmorei Markgr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking deep purple, almost black leaves, this plant originates from the rainforests of Australia. Allowoodsonia whitmorei is highly desired by plant collectors for its unique coloration, making it a rare and sought-after addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Allowoodsonia whitmorei?
Plant Allowoodsonia whitmorei in bright indirect light (USDA zones 11b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Allowoodsonia whitmorei Native To?
What Is the Allowoodsonia whitmorei?
Allowoodsonia whitmorei (Allowoodsonia whitmorei) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Allowoodsonia genus. Allowoodsonia whitmorei is native to the Solomon Islands in the SW Pacific.
Allowoodsonia whitmorei displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Allowoodsonia whitmorei produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Allowoodsonia whitmorei?
Water a young or newly planted Allowoodsonia whitmorei 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Allowoodsonia whitmorei Need?
Allowoodsonia whitmorei thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Allowoodsonia whitmorei in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Allowoodsonia whitmorei Prefer?
Allowoodsonia whitmorei tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Allowoodsonia whitmorei prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Allowoodsonia whitmorei?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for drainage. Good drainage is essential for Allowoodsonia whitmorei to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Allowoodsonia whitmorei?
Feed Allowoodsonia whitmorei 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 Allowoodsonia whitmorei?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Allowoodsonia whitmorei is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 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 Allowoodsonia whitmorei?
Allowoodsonia whitmorei 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.
How Do You Prune a Allowoodsonia whitmorei?
Prune Allowoodsonia whitmorei 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 Allowoodsonia whitmorei in Winter?
Allowoodsonia whitmorei is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). 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 Allowoodsonia whitmorei?
Allowoodsonia whitmorei can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.
Is the Allowoodsonia whitmorei Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Allowoodsonia whitmorei?
Allowoodsonia whitmorei is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Allowoodsonia whitmorei Need?
Allowoodsonia whitmorei grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Allowoodsonia whitmorei is native to the Solomon Islands in the SW Pacific. In cooler regions, grow Allowoodsonia whitmorei as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Allowoodsonia whitmorei 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 Allowoodsonia genus — compare its care with other Allowoodsonia species on PlantoScan.
Allowoodsonia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Allowoodsonia whitmorei thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Allowoodsonia whitmorei Markgr., family Apocynaceae (first published in Gard. Bull. Singapore 22: 23 (1967)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Allowoodsonia whitmorei is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11b – 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.
