Obovate Charpentiera Plant Care
Charpentiera obovata Gaudich.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Charpentiera obovata, known as broadleaf pāpala, is a species of flowering shrub or small tree in the family Amaranthaceae, that is endemic to Hawaiʻi. It inhabits dry, coastal mesic, mixed mesic, and wet forests at elevations of 190–1,750 metres (620–5,740 ft) on all main islands.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Obovate Charpentiera?
Plant Obovate Charpentiera in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) 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.
What Is the Obovate Charpentiera?
Obovate Charpentiera (Charpentiera obovata) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Charpentiera genus. Obovate Charpentiera is native to Hawaiʻi.
Obovate Charpentiera displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Obovate Charpentiera produces small clusters of red or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Obovate Charpentiera?
Water a young or newly planted Obovate Charpentiera 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 Obovate Charpentiera Need?
Obovate Charpentiera thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Obovate Charpentiera Prefer?
Charpentiera obovata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Obovate Charpentiera prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Obovate Charpentiera?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Obovate Charpentiera to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Obovate Charpentiera?
Feed Obovate Charpentiera 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 Obovate Charpentiera?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Obovate Charpentiera is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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 Obovate Charpentiera?
Obovate Charpentiera can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Obovate Charpentiera?
Prune Obovate Charpentiera 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 Obovate Charpentiera in Winter?
Obovate Charpentiera 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 Obovate Charpentiera?
Obovate Charpentiera can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to charpentiera australis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Obovate Charpentiera Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Obovate Charpentiera, 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 Obovate Charpentiera?
Obovate Charpentiera is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Obovate Charpentiera Need?
Obovate Charpentiera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Obovate Charpentiera is native to Hawaiʻi. In cooler regions, grow Obovate Charpentiera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Obovate Charpentiera 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 Charpentiera genus — compare its care with other Charpentiera species on PlantoScan.
Charpentiera is part of the Amaranthaceae plant family — browse all Amaranthaceae genera and species.
Obovate Charpentiera thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Charpentiera obovata Gaudich., family Amaranthaceae (first published in Voy. Uranie : 444 (1829)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Obovate Charpentiera, 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, 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.
