Cupaniopsis wadsworthii Plant Care
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii Radlk.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii, sometimes commonly named duckfoot, or dwarf tuckeroo, is a species of flowering plant in the soapberry family and is endemic to Queensland. It is a slender shrub or small tree with paripinnate leaves with two to eight broadly wedge-shaped or broadly lobed leaflets, and separate male and female flowers arranged in raceme-like thyrses, the fruit a capsule with a seed with an orange aril.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cupaniopsis wadsworthii?
Plant Cupaniopsis wadsworthii 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 wadsworthii Native To?
What Is the Cupaniopsis wadsworthii?
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii (Cupaniopsis wadsworthii) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Cupaniopsis genus. Cupaniopsis wadsworthii is native to Queensland.
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Cupaniopsis wadsworthii produces small clusters of white or cream-colored flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cupaniopsis wadsworthii?
Water a young or newly planted Cupaniopsis wadsworthii 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 wadsworthii Need?
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cupaniopsis wadsworthii Prefer?
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Cupaniopsis wadsworthii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cupaniopsis wadsworthii?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cupaniopsis wadsworthii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cupaniopsis wadsworthii?
Feed Cupaniopsis wadsworthii 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 wadsworthii?
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 wadsworthii 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 wadsworthii?
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii 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 wadsworthii?
Prune Cupaniopsis wadsworthii 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 wadsworthii in Winter?
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii 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 wadsworthii?
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tuckeroo plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cupaniopsis wadsworthii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cupaniopsis wadsworthii, 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 wadsworthii?
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii 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 wadsworthii Need?
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cupaniopsis wadsworthii is native to Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Cupaniopsis wadsworthii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii 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 wadsworthii 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 wadsworthii Radlk., family Sapindaceae (first published in Sitzungsber. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. München 9: 585 (1879)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cupaniopsis wadsworthii, 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.
