Alphonsea philastreana Plant Care

Alphonsea philastreana (Alphonsea philastreana) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Alphonsea genus.

Alphonsea philastreana displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Alphonsea philastreana produces small, fragrant flowers in shades of yellow or green.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alphonsea philastreana 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.

Alphonsea philastreana thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Alphonsea philastreana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Alphonsea philastreana tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Alphonsea philastreana prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Alphonsea philastreana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alphonsea philastreana 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 filtered sunlight or partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alphonsea philastreana is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Alphonsea philastreana can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 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 Alphonsea philastreana 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.

Alphonsea philastreana 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.

Alphonsea philastreana can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow alphonsea plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Alphonsea philastreana is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Alphonsea philastreana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Alphonsea philastreana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.