Buchanania macrocarpa Plant Care

Buchanania macrocarpa (Buchanania macrocarpa) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Buchanania genus. Buchanania macrocarpa is native to an area in the southwest Pacific from the Solomon Islands to the northern Maluku Islands.

Buchanania macrocarpa displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Buchanania macrocarpa produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Buchanania macrocarpa 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.

Buchanania macrocarpa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Buchanania macrocarpa tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Buchanania macrocarpa prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Buchanania macrocarpa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Buchanania macrocarpa 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.

Buchanania macrocarpa is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Buchanania macrocarpa can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 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 Buchanania macrocarpa 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.

Buchanania macrocarpa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Buchanania macrocarpa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Buchanania macrocarpa is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Buchanania macrocarpa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Buchanania macrocarpa is native to an area in the southwest Pacific from the Solomon Islands to the northern Maluku Islands. In cooler regions, grow Buchanania macrocarpa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.