Formosan Cratoxylum Plant Care

Formosan Cratoxylum (Cratoxylum formosum subsp. formosum) belongs to the Hypericaceae family within the Cratoxylum genus. Formosan Cratoxylum is native to Southeast Asia, Thailand, Malaysia. Formosan Cratoxylum is also known as Pink Flowering Montane Rose.

Formosan Cratoxylum displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Formosan Cratoxylum produces small, white, fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Formosan Cratoxylum 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.

Formosan Cratoxylum thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Cratoxylum formosum subsp. formosum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Formosan Cratoxylum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Formosan Cratoxylum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Formosan Cratoxylum 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 shade to full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Formosan Cratoxylum is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Formosan Cratoxylum can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Formosan Cratoxylum 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.

Formosan Cratoxylum 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.

Formosan Cratoxylum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cratoxylum arborescens plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Formosan Cratoxylum 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.

Formosan Cratoxylum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Formosan Cratoxylum is native to Southeast Asia, Thailand, Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Formosan Cratoxylum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.