Calophyllum heterophyllum Plant Care

Calophyllum heterophyllum P.F.Stevens

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Calophyllum heterophyllum is a species of flowering plant in the Calophyllaceae family. It is found in West Papua (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Calophyllum heterophyllum?

Plant Calophyllum heterophyllum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Calophyllum heterophyllum Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Calophyllum heterophyllum?

Calophyllum heterophyllum (Calophyllum heterophyllum) belongs to the Calophyllaceae family within the Calophyllum genus. Calophyllum heterophyllum is native to West Papua (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea.

Calophyllum heterophyllum displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Calophyllum heterophyllum produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Calophyllum heterophyllum?

Water a young or newly planted Calophyllum heterophyllum 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 Calophyllum heterophyllum Need?

Calophyllum heterophyllum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Calophyllum heterophyllum Prefer?

Calophyllum heterophyllum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Calophyllum heterophyllum prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Calophyllum heterophyllum?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Calophyllum heterophyllum?

Feed Calophyllum heterophyllum 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 Calophyllum heterophyllum?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Calophyllum heterophyllum 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 Calophyllum heterophyllum?

Calophyllum heterophyllum can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Calophyllum heterophyllum?

Prune Calophyllum heterophyllum 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 Calophyllum heterophyllum in Winter?

Calophyllum heterophyllum 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 Calophyllum heterophyllum?

Calophyllum heterophyllum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to santa maria plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Calophyllum heterophyllum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Calophyllum heterophyllum, 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 Calophyllum heterophyllum?

Calophyllum heterophyllum 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Calophyllum heterophyllum Need?

Calophyllum heterophyllum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Calophyllum heterophyllum is native to West Papua (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Calophyllum heterophyllum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Calophyllum heterophyllum 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 Calophyllum genus — compare its care with other Calophyllum species on PlantoScan.

Calophyllum is part of the Calophyllaceae plant family — browse all Calophyllaceae genera and species.

Calophyllum heterophyllum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Calophyllum Species

Other Calophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Calophyllum heterophyllum P.F.Stevens, family Calophyllaceae (first published in Austral. J. Bot. 22: 371 (1974)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Calophyllum heterophyllum, 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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