Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Three-cornered dillenia Plant Care
Dillenia triquetra Gilg
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, glossy, three-lobed leaves, this plant originates from Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Dillenia triquetra for its unique foliage, making it a standout addition to any exotic garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Three-cornered dillenia?
Plant Three-cornered dillenia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 11a–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.
Where Is the Three-cornered dillenia Native To?
What Is the Three-cornered dillenia?
Three-cornered dillenia (Dillenia triquetra) belongs to the Dilleniaceae family within the Dillenia genus. Three-cornered dillenia is native to the island of Sri Lanka.
Three-cornered dillenia displays a large, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Three-cornered dillenia produces large, showy, fragrant white or yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Three-cornered dillenia?
Water a young or newly planted Three-cornered dillenia 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 Three-cornered dillenia Need?
Three-cornered dillenia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Three-cornered dillenia Prefer?
Dillenia triquetra tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Three-cornered dillenia 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 Three-cornered dillenia?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Three-cornered dillenia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Three-cornered dillenia?
Feed Three-cornered dillenia 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 Three-cornered dillenia?
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.
Three-cornered dillenia is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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 Three-cornered dillenia?
Three-cornered dillenia 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 Three-cornered dillenia?
Prune Three-cornered dillenia 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 Three-cornered dillenia in Winter?
Three-cornered dillenia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). 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 Three-cornered dillenia?
Three-cornered dillenia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to elephant apple plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Three-cornered dillenia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Three-cornered dillenia, 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 Three-cornered dillenia?
Three-cornered dillenia 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 Three-cornered dillenia Need?
Three-cornered dillenia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Three-cornered dillenia is native to the island of Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Three-cornered dillenia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Three-cornered dillenia 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.
Three-cornered dillenia 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 triquetra Gilg, family Dilleniaceae (first published in Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(6): 123 (1893)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Three-cornered dillenia, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 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.
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