Cotylelobium scabriusculum Plant Care

Cotylelobium scabriusculum Brandis

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is easily recognized by its glossy, dark green leaves with a unique lobed shape. Originally hailing from Southeast Asia, Cotylelobium scabriusculum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and rare beauty. Its intricate leaf pattern makes it a stunning addition to any indoor plant collection.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Cotylelobium scabriusculum?

Plant Cotylelobium scabriusculum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 11b–12b) 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 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Cotylelobium scabriusculum Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Cotylelobium scabriusculum?

Cotylelobium scabriusculum (Cotylelobium scabriusculum) belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family within the Cotylelobium genus. Cotylelobium scabriusculum is native to southwestern Sri Lanka.

Cotylelobium scabriusculum displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Cotylelobium scabriusculum produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Cotylelobium scabriusculum?

Water a young or newly planted Cotylelobium scabriusculum 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 Cotylelobium scabriusculum Need?

Cotylelobium scabriusculum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cotylelobium scabriusculum Prefer?

Cotylelobium scabriusculum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Cotylelobium scabriusculum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cotylelobium scabriusculum?

Well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Cotylelobium scabriusculum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Cotylelobium scabriusculum?

Feed Cotylelobium scabriusculum every 8 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 8 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 Cotylelobium scabriusculum?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cotylelobium scabriusculum is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 12b.

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 Cotylelobium scabriusculum?

Cotylelobium scabriusculum can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Cotylelobium scabriusculum?

Prune Cotylelobium scabriusculum 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 Cotylelobium scabriusculum in Winter?

Cotylelobium scabriusculum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). 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 Cotylelobium scabriusculum?

Cotylelobium scabriusculum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cotylelobium burckii plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Cotylelobium scabriusculum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Cotylelobium scabriusculum, 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 Cotylelobium scabriusculum?

Cotylelobium scabriusculum is susceptible to powdery mildew, 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 Cotylelobium scabriusculum Need?

Cotylelobium scabriusculum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Cotylelobium scabriusculum is native to southwestern Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Cotylelobium scabriusculum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Cotylelobium scabriusculum 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 Cotylelobium genus — compare its care with other Cotylelobium species on PlantoScan.

Cotylelobium is part of the Dipterocarpaceae plant family — browse all Dipterocarpaceae genera and species.

Cotylelobium scabriusculum 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: Cotylelobium scabriusculum Brandis, family Dipterocarpaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 31: 114 (1895)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cotylelobium scabriusculum, 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 11b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • 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.

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