Clusia osseocarpa Plant Care
Clusia osseocarpa Maguire
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Clusia osseocarpa is a species of flowering plant in the family Clusiaceae. It is found in montane forests of Colombia, Ecuador and Panama.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Clusia osseocarpa?
Plant Clusia osseocarpa in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Clusia osseocarpa?
Clusia osseocarpa (Clusia osseocarpa) belongs to the Clusiaceae family within the Clusia genus. Clusia osseocarpa is native to montane forests of Colombia, Ecuador and Panama.
Clusia osseocarpa displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Clusia osseocarpa produces small, white, star-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Clusia osseocarpa?
Water a young or newly planted Clusia osseocarpa every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Clusia osseocarpa Need?
Clusia osseocarpa thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Clusia osseocarpa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Clusia osseocarpa Prefer?
Clusia osseocarpa tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Clusia osseocarpa prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Clusia osseocarpa?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Clusia osseocarpa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Clusia osseocarpa?
Feed Clusia osseocarpa 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 Clusia osseocarpa?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Clusia osseocarpa 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 Clusia osseocarpa?
Clusia osseocarpa can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Clusia osseocarpa?
Prune Clusia osseocarpa 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 Clusia osseocarpa in Winter?
Clusia osseocarpa 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 Clusia osseocarpa?
Clusia osseocarpa can be propagated through air layering, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to autograph tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Clusia osseocarpa Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Clusia osseocarpa, 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 Clusia osseocarpa?
Clusia osseocarpa is susceptible to 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Clusia osseocarpa Need?
Clusia osseocarpa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Clusia osseocarpa is native to montane forests of Colombia, Ecuador and Panama. In cooler regions, grow Clusia osseocarpa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Clusia osseocarpa 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 Clusia genus — compare its care with other Clusia species on PlantoScan.
Clusia is part of the Clusiaceae plant family — browse all Clusiaceae genera and species.
Clusia osseocarpa thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Clusia Species
Other Clusia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Clusia osseocarpa Maguire, family Clusiaceae (first published in Phytologia 39: 74 (1978)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Clusia osseocarpa, 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.
