Moon's Calophyllum Plant Care
Calophyllum moonii Wight
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Calophyllum moonii is a species of flowering plant in the Calophyllaceae family. The GBIF and IUCN state it is only found in Sri Lanka, while Plants of the World Online claims it is also found in India.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Moon's Calophyllum?
Plant Moon's Calophyllum 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 Moon's Calophyllum Native To?
What Is the Moon's Calophyllum?
Moon's Calophyllum (Calophyllum moonii) belongs to the Calophyllaceae family within the Calophyllum genus. Moon's Calophyllum is native to Sri Lanka, while Plants of the World Online claims.
Moon's Calophyllum displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Moon's Calophyllum produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Moon's Calophyllum?
Water a young or newly planted Moon's Calophyllum 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 Moon's Calophyllum Need?
Moon's Calophyllum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Moon's Calophyllum Prefer?
Calophyllum moonii tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Moon's Calophyllum 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 Moon's Calophyllum?
Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Moon's Calophyllum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Moon's Calophyllum?
Feed Moon's Calophyllum 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 Moon's Calophyllum?
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.
Moon's Calophyllum 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 Moon's Calophyllum?
Moon's Calophyllum 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 Moon's Calophyllum?
Prune Moon's Calophyllum 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 Moon's Calophyllum in Winter?
Moon's Calophyllum 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 Moon's Calophyllum?
Moon's Calophyllum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to santa maria plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Moon's Calophyllum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Moon's Calophyllum, 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 Moon's Calophyllum?
Moon's Calophyllum 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 Moon's Calophyllum Need?
Moon's Calophyllum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Moon's Calophyllum is native to Sri Lanka, while Plants of the World Online claims. In cooler regions, grow Moon's Calophyllum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Moon's Calophyllum 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.
Moon's Calophyllum 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 moonii Wight, family Calophyllaceae (first published in Ill. Ind. Bot. 1: 129 (1840)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Moon's Calophyllum, 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.
