
Photo: Pranav Chandra BoseCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Simpoh Air Plant Care
Dillenia bracteata Wight
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dillenia bracteata is a striking evergreen shrub known for its large, glossy, dark green leaves and vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. Native to Southeast Asia, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its ornamental value and ability to attract birds and butterflies to the garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Simpoh Air?
Plant Simpoh Air in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10b–12b) 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.
What Is the Simpoh Air?
Simpoh Air (Dillenia bracteata) belongs to the Dilleniaceae family within the Dillenia genus. Simpoh Air is native to Malaysia, Indonesia. Simpoh Air is also known as Dillenia.
Simpoh Air displays a large, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Simpoh Air produces large, showy, fragrant white or yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Simpoh Air?
Water a young or newly planted Simpoh Air 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 Simpoh Air Need?
Simpoh Air thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Simpoh Air Prefer?
Dillenia bracteata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Simpoh Air prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Simpoh Air?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Simpoh Air to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Simpoh Air?
Feed Simpoh Air 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 Simpoh Air?
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.
Simpoh Air 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Simpoh Air?
Simpoh Air 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 Simpoh Air?
Prune Simpoh Air 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 Simpoh Air in Winter?
Simpoh Air 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.
How Do You Propagate a Simpoh Air?
Simpoh Air can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to elephant apple plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Simpoh Air Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Simpoh Air, 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 Simpoh Air?
Simpoh Air is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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 Simpoh Air Need?
Simpoh Air grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Simpoh Air is native to Malaysia, Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Simpoh Air as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Simpoh Air 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 Dillenia genus — compare its care with other Dillenia species on PlantoScan.
Dillenia is part of the Dilleniaceae plant family — browse all Dilleniaceae genera and species.
Simpoh Air thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Dillenia Species
Other Dillenia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dillenia bracteata Wight, family Dilleniaceae (first published in Icon. Pl. Ind. Orient. 2: t. 358 (1840)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Simpoh Air, 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.
- Photo: Pranav Chandra Bose, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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.
