Dillenia speciosa Plant Care

Dillenia speciosa (Dillenia serrata) belongs to the Dilleniaceae family within the Dillenia genus. Dillenia speciosa is native to countries in South and South-East Asia. Dillenia speciosa is also known as Elephant apple, Chalta.

Dillenia speciosa displays a large, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Dillenia speciosa produces large, showy, fragrant white or yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dillenia speciosa 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.

Dillenia speciosa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Dillenia serrata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Dillenia speciosa prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Dillenia speciosa 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.

Dillenia speciosa 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.

Dillenia speciosa 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 Dillenia speciosa 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.

Dillenia speciosa 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.

Dillenia speciosa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to elephant apple plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Dillenia speciosa 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.

Dillenia speciosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Dillenia speciosa is native to countries in South and South-East Asia. In cooler regions, grow Dillenia speciosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.