Casearia tomentosa Plant Care

Casearia tomentosa (Casearia coriifolia) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Casearia genus. Casearia tomentosa is native to New Caledonia. Casearia tomentosa is also known as Whitey wood.

Casearia tomentosa displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Casearia tomentosa produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Casearia tomentosa 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.

Casearia tomentosa thrives in partial to full sun.

Casearia coriifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Casearia tomentosa prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Casearia tomentosa 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 partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Casearia tomentosa is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Casearia tomentosa can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Casearia tomentosa 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.

Casearia tomentosa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Casearia tomentosa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to florida physic nut plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Casearia tomentosa is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Casearia tomentosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Casearia tomentosa is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Casearia tomentosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.