Alstonia scholaris Plant Care

Alstonia scholaris (Alstonia longifolia) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Alstonia genus. Alstonia scholaris is native to southern Mexico and Guatemala at an elevation of 1400–1800 m. Alstonia scholaris is also known as White Cheesewood, Pulai Tree.

Alstonia scholaris displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Alstonia scholaris produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alstonia scholaris 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.

Alstonia scholaris thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Alstonia longifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Alstonia scholaris prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Alstonia scholaris 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 well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alstonia scholaris is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 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.

Alstonia scholaris 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.

Prune Alstonia scholaris 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.

Alstonia scholaris is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alstonia scholaris can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Alstonia scholaris is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Alstonia scholaris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Alstonia scholaris is native to southern Mexico and Guatemala at an elevation of 1400–1800 m. In cooler regions, grow Alstonia scholaris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.