Clonostylis forbesii Plant Care

Clonostylis forbesii (Clonostylis forbesii) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Clonostylis genus. Clonostylis forbesii is native to Sumatra.

Clonostylis forbesii displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Clonostylis forbesii produces small clusters of greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Clonostylis forbesii 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.

Clonostylis forbesii thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Clonostylis forbesii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Clonostylis forbesii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Clonostylis forbesii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Clonostylis forbesii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Clonostylis forbesii 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 bright indirect to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Clonostylis forbesii 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.

Clonostylis forbesii 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.

Prune Clonostylis forbesii 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.

Clonostylis forbesii 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.

Clonostylis forbesii can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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

Clonostylis forbesii is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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.

Clonostylis forbesii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Clonostylis forbesii is native to Sumatra. In cooler regions, grow Clonostylis forbesii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.