
Photo: grass_0CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Palosapis Plant Care
Anisoptera megistocarpa Slooten
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique palmate leaves that resemble an open hand, this plant originates from the rainforests of Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Anisoptera megistocarpa for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in tropical climates, making it a coveted addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Palosapis?
Plant Palosapis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a–13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Palosapis?
Palosapis (Anisoptera megistocarpa) belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family within the Anisoptera genus. Palosapis is native to Peninsular Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra.
Palosapis displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 50 ft. Palosapis produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Palosapis?
Water a young or newly planted Palosapis 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 Palosapis Need?
Palosapis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Palosapis Prefer?
Anisoptera megistocarpa tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Palosapis prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Palosapis?
Well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Palosapis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Palosapis?
Feed Palosapis every 8 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 8 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 Palosapis?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Palosapis is suited to USDA Zone 12a – 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Palosapis?
Palosapis can spread to about 50 ft (15.2 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 50 ft (15.2 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 Palosapis?
Prune Palosapis 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 Palosapis in Winter?
Palosapis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). 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 Palosapis?
Palosapis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow mersawa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Palosapis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Palosapis, 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 Palosapis?
Palosapis is susceptible to termites, defoliating 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 Palosapis Need?
Palosapis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Palosapis is native to Peninsular Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra. In cooler regions, grow Palosapis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a – 13b
Keep exploring plants
Palosapis 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 Anisoptera genus — compare its care with other Anisoptera species on PlantoScan.
Anisoptera is part of the Dipterocarpaceae plant family — browse all Dipterocarpaceae genera and species.
Palosapis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Anisoptera Species
Other Anisoptera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anisoptera megistocarpa Slooten, family Dipterocarpaceae (first published in Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg , sér. 3, 8: 12 (1926)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Palosapis, 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.
- Photo: grass_0, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a – 13b, 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.
