Box-leaf Atalantia Plant Care

Box-leaf Atalantia (Atalantia buxifolia) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Atalantia genus. Box-leaf Atalantia is native to southern China.

Box-leaf Atalantia displays a small tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Box-leaf Atalantia produces small white fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Box-leaf Atalantia 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.

Box-leaf Atalantia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Atalantia buxifolia tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F. Box-leaf Atalantia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added sand and organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Box-leaf Atalantia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Box-leaf Atalantia 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 sand and organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Box-leaf Atalantia 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.

Box-leaf Atalantia 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 Box-leaf Atalantia 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.

Box-leaf Atalantia 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.

Box-leaf Atalantia can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false lime plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Box-leaf Atalantia is susceptible to citrus leaf miner, citrus psyllid, 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.

Box-leaf Atalantia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Box-leaf Atalantia is native to southern China. In cooler regions, grow Box-leaf Atalantia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.