Aspidosperma megalocarpon Plant Care

Aspidosperma megalocarpon (Aspidosperma megalocarpon) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Aspidosperma genus. Aspidosperma megalocarpon is native to Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, Venezuela, and NW Brazil.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Aspidosperma megalocarpon 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.

Aspidosperma megalocarpon thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Aspidosperma megalocarpon tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Aspidosperma megalocarpon prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Aspidosperma megalocarpon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Aspidosperma megalocarpon 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, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Aspidosperma megalocarpon is suited to USDA Zone 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.

Aspidosperma megalocarpon 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 Aspidosperma megalocarpon 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.

Aspidosperma megalocarpon 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.

Aspidosperma megalocarpon can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to periwinkle plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Aspidosperma megalocarpon is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Aspidosperma megalocarpon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Aspidosperma megalocarpon is native to Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, Venezuela, and NW Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Aspidosperma megalocarpon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.