Japanese Antidesma Plant Care

Japanese Antidesma (Antidesma japonicum) belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family within the Antidesma genus. Japanese Antidesma is native to Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

Japanese Antidesma displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Japanese Antidesma produces small inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Japanese Antidesma 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.

Japanese Antidesma thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Japanese Antidesma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Japanese Antidesma 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 compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Japanese Antidesma is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 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.

Japanese Antidesma 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 Japanese Antidesma 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.

Japanese Antidesma 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.

Japanese Antidesma can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bignay plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Japanese Antidesma is susceptible to aphids, scale 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.

Japanese Antidesma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Japanese Antidesma is native to Southeast Asia, China and Japan. In cooler regions, grow Japanese Antidesma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.