Beilschmiedia membranacea Plant Care
Beilschmiedia membranacea Gamble
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its glossy, elongated leaves with prominent veins. Originating from New Zealand, Beilschmiedia membranacea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and striking appearance in tropical gardens. Its vibrant green leaves add a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor or outdoor space.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
60–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Beilschmiedia membranacea?
Plant Beilschmiedia membranacea in partial to full shade (USDA zones 13a–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Beilschmiedia membranacea Native To?
What Is the Beilschmiedia membranacea?
Beilschmiedia membranacea (Beilschmiedia membranacea) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Beilschmiedia genus. Beilschmiedia membranacea is native to Peninsular Malaysia.
Beilschmiedia membranacea displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Beilschmiedia membranacea produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Beilschmiedia membranacea?
Water a young or newly planted Beilschmiedia membranacea 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 Beilschmiedia membranacea Need?
Beilschmiedia membranacea thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Beilschmiedia membranacea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Beilschmiedia membranacea Prefer?
Beilschmiedia membranacea tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Beilschmiedia membranacea prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Beilschmiedia membranacea?
Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or leaf mold. Good drainage is essential for Beilschmiedia membranacea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Beilschmiedia membranacea?
Feed Beilschmiedia membranacea 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 Beilschmiedia membranacea?
Choose a spot with partial to full shade and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or leaf mold. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Beilschmiedia membranacea is suited to USDA Zone 13a – 12b.
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 Beilschmiedia membranacea?
Beilschmiedia membranacea 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.
How Do You Prune a Beilschmiedia membranacea?
Prune Beilschmiedia membranacea 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 Beilschmiedia membranacea in Winter?
Beilschmiedia membranacea 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 Beilschmiedia membranacea?
Beilschmiedia membranacea can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tarairi plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Beilschmiedia membranacea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Beilschmiedia membranacea, 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 Beilschmiedia membranacea?
Beilschmiedia membranacea is susceptible to scale insects, caterpillars. 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 Beilschmiedia membranacea Need?
Beilschmiedia membranacea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Beilschmiedia membranacea is native to Peninsular Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Beilschmiedia membranacea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Beilschmiedia membranacea 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 Beilschmiedia genus — compare its care with other Beilschmiedia species on PlantoScan.
Beilschmiedia is part of the Lauraceae plant family — browse all Lauraceae genera and species.
Beilschmiedia membranacea copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Beilschmiedia Species
Other Beilschmiedia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Beilschmiedia membranacea Gamble, family Lauraceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1910: 150 (1910)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Beilschmiedia membranacea, 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 13a – 12b, 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.
