Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla Plant Care

Alseodaphnopsis rugosa (Merr. & Chun) H.W.Li & J.Li

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its glossy, dark green, leathery leaves that have a uniquely wrinkled texture, this plant hails from the forests of Southeast Asia. Its striking foliage and rare occurrence in cultivation make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to their indoor jungle.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial to full shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla?

Plant Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla in partial to full shade (USDA zones 10a–11b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla?

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla (Alseodaphnopsis rugosa) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Alseodaphnopsis genus. Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla is native to southeastern Yunnan and Hainan in southern China and northern Vietnam. Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla is also known as Neolitsea rugosa.

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla displays a tall, evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla?

Water a young or newly planted Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla 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 Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla Need?

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Partial to full shade

100–500 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla Prefer?

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

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla?

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or leaf mold. Good drainage is essential for Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla?

Feed Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla 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 Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla?

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or leaf mold. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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 Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla?

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla?

Prune Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla 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 Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla in Winter?

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla 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 Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla?

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alseodaphnopsis hainanensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla, 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 Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla?

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, aphids. 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 Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla Need?

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla is native to southeastern Yunnan and Hainan in southern China and northern Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10a – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla 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 Alseodaphnopsis genus — compare its care with other Alseodaphnopsis species on PlantoScan.

Alseodaphnopsis is part of the Lauraceae plant family — browse all Lauraceae genera and species.

Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Alseodaphnopsis rugosa (Merr. & Chun) H.W.Li & J.Li, family Lauraceae (first published in PLoS ONE 12(10): e0186545 (9). 2017 [18 Oct 2017] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alseodaphnopsis macrophylla, 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 10a – 11b, 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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