Amyris madrensis Plant Care
Amyris madrensis S.Watson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Amyris madrensis, the Sierra Madre torchwood, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae. It is native to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, with scattered populations elsewhere in Mexico.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Amyris madrensis?
Plant Amyris madrensis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) 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 Amyris madrensis Native To?
What Is the Amyris madrensis?
Amyris madrensis (Amyris madrensis) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Amyris genus. Amyris madrensis is native to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, with scattered populations else.
Amyris madrensis displays a small tree, shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Amyris madrensis produces small clusters of white or cream-colored flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Amyris madrensis?
Water a young or newly planted Amyris madrensis 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 Amyris madrensis Need?
Amyris madrensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Amyris madrensis Prefer?
Amyris madrensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Amyris madrensis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Amyris madrensis?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Amyris madrensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Amyris madrensis?
Feed Amyris madrensis 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 Amyris madrensis?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Amyris madrensis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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 Amyris madrensis?
Amyris madrensis 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.
How Do You Prune a Amyris madrensis?
Prune Amyris madrensis 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 Amyris madrensis in Winter?
Amyris madrensis 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.
How Do You Propagate a Amyris madrensis?
Amyris madrensis can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to torchwood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Amyris madrensis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Amyris madrensis, 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 Amyris madrensis?
Amyris madrensis is susceptible to 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 Amyris madrensis Need?
Amyris madrensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Amyris madrensis is native to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, with scattered populations else. In cooler regions, grow Amyris madrensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Amyris madrensis 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 Amyris genus — compare its care with other Amyris species on PlantoScan.
Amyris is part of the Rutaceae plant family — browse all Rutaceae genera and species.
Amyris madrensis 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: Amyris madrensis S.Watson, family Rutaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 25: 144 (1890)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Amyris madrensis, 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 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
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