Asteropeia matrambody Plant Care

Asteropeia matrambody (Capuron) G.E.Schatz, Lowry & A.-E.Wolf

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its large, heart-shaped leaves and striking red underside, this plant originates from Madagascar and is a coveted treasure for plant collectors. The unique foliage of Asteropeia matrambody adds a pop of vibrant color to any indoor garden, making it a standout addition for those seeking rare and exquisite specimens.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Asteropeia matrambody?

Plant Asteropeia matrambody in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Asteropeia matrambody Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Asteropeia matrambody?

Asteropeia matrambody (Asteropeia matrambody) belongs to the Asteropeiaceae family within the Asteropeia genus. Asteropeia matrambody is native to northeastern and central-eastern Madagascar.

Asteropeia matrambody displays a slow-growing, small tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Asteropeia matrambody produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Asteropeia matrambody?

Water a young or newly planted Asteropeia matrambody 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 Asteropeia matrambody Need?

Asteropeia matrambody thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Asteropeia matrambody in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Asteropeia matrambody Prefer?

Asteropeia matrambody tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Asteropeia matrambody prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Asteropeia matrambody?

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Asteropeia matrambody to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Asteropeia matrambody?

Feed Asteropeia matrambody 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 Asteropeia matrambody?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Asteropeia matrambody 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Asteropeia matrambody?

Asteropeia matrambody can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Asteropeia matrambody?

Prune Asteropeia matrambody 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 Asteropeia matrambody in Winter?

Asteropeia matrambody 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 Asteropeia matrambody?

Asteropeia matrambody can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to asteropeia amblyocarpa plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Asteropeia matrambody Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Asteropeia matrambody, 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 Asteropeia matrambody?

Asteropeia matrambody is susceptible to spider mites, 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Asteropeia matrambody Need?

Asteropeia matrambody grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Asteropeia matrambody is native to northeastern and central-eastern Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Asteropeia matrambody as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Asteropeia matrambody 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 Asteropeia genus — compare its care with other Asteropeia species on PlantoScan.

Asteropeia is part of the Asteropeiaceae plant family — browse all Asteropeiaceae genera and species.

Asteropeia matrambody 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: Asteropeia matrambody (Capuron) G.E.Schatz, Lowry & A.-E.Wolf, family Asteropeiaceae (first published in Adansonia , sér. 3, 21: 262 (1999)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Asteropeia matrambody, 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 13b, 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.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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