Hawaiian Antidesma Plant Care

Hawaiian Antidesma (Antidesma platyphyllum) belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family within the Antidesma genus. Hawaiian Antidesma is native to Hawaii.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hawaiian 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.

Hawaiian Antidesma thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Antidesma platyphyllum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Hawaiian 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 Hawaiian Antidesma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hawaiian 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.

Hawaiian Antidesma 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.

Hawaiian 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 Hawaiian 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.

Hawaiian Antidesma 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.

Hawaiian Antidesma can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Hawaiian 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.

Hawaiian Antidesma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hawaiian Antidesma is native to Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Hawaiian Antidesma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.