Cupaniopsis shirleyana Plant Care

Cupaniopsis shirleyana (Cupaniopsis shirleyana) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Cupaniopsis genus. Cupaniopsis shirleyana is native to Queensland.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cupaniopsis shirleyana 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.

Cupaniopsis shirleyana thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Cupaniopsis shirleyana 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 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 shirleyana 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.

Cupaniopsis shirleyana 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.

Prune Cupaniopsis shirleyana 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.

Cupaniopsis shirleyana 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.

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

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

Cupaniopsis shirleyana 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.

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