Cupaniopsis flagelliformis Plant Care

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis Radlk.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis, commonly known as brown tuckeroo or weeping flower tamarind, is a tree in the lychee and maple family Sapindaceae, endemic to eastern Australia. It is a small tree that inhabits tropical and sub-tropical rainforest and monsoon forest.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Cupaniopsis flagelliformis?

Plant Cupaniopsis flagelliformis 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 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Cupaniopsis flagelliformis Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Cupaniopsis flagelliformis?

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis (Cupaniopsis flagelliformis) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Cupaniopsis genus. Cupaniopsis flagelliformis is native to eastern Australia.

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Cupaniopsis flagelliformis produces small clusters of white or cream-colored flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Cupaniopsis flagelliformis?

Water a young or newly planted Cupaniopsis flagelliformis 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 Cupaniopsis flagelliformis Need?

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cupaniopsis flagelliformis Prefer?

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Cupaniopsis flagelliformis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cupaniopsis flagelliformis?

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cupaniopsis flagelliformis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Cupaniopsis flagelliformis?

Feed Cupaniopsis flagelliformis 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 Cupaniopsis flagelliformis?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis 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 Cupaniopsis flagelliformis?

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Cupaniopsis flagelliformis?

Prune Cupaniopsis flagelliformis 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 Cupaniopsis flagelliformis in Winter?

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis 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 Cupaniopsis flagelliformis?

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tuckeroo plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Cupaniopsis flagelliformis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Cupaniopsis flagelliformis, 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 Cupaniopsis flagelliformis?

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis is susceptible to aphids, 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 Cupaniopsis flagelliformis Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis 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 Cupaniopsis genus — compare its care with other Cupaniopsis species on PlantoScan.

Cupaniopsis is part of the Sapindaceae plant family — browse all Sapindaceae genera and species.

Cupaniopsis flagelliformis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Cupaniopsis Species

Other Cupaniopsis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Cupaniopsis flagelliformis Radlk., family Sapindaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 20: 31 (1924)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cupaniopsis flagelliformis, 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.

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