Diospyros oppositifolia Plant Care

Diospyros oppositifolia Thwaites

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Diospyros oppositifolia is a species of tree in the ebony family, Ebenaceae. It is endemic to Sri Lanka.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Diospyros oppositifolia?

Plant Diospyros oppositifolia 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 Diospyros oppositifolia Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Diospyros oppositifolia?

Diospyros oppositifolia (Diospyros oppositifolia) belongs to the Ebenaceae family within the Diospyros genus. Diospyros oppositifolia is native to Sri Lanka.

Diospyros oppositifolia displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Diospyros oppositifolia produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Diospyros oppositifolia?

Water a young or newly planted Diospyros oppositifolia 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 Diospyros oppositifolia Need?

Diospyros oppositifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Diospyros oppositifolia Prefer?

Diospyros oppositifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Diospyros oppositifolia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Diospyros oppositifolia?

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Diospyros oppositifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Diospyros oppositifolia?

Feed Diospyros oppositifolia 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 Diospyros oppositifolia?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Diospyros oppositifolia 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 Diospyros oppositifolia?

Diospyros oppositifolia 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 Diospyros oppositifolia?

Prune Diospyros oppositifolia 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 Diospyros oppositifolia in Winter?

Diospyros oppositifolia 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 Diospyros oppositifolia?

Diospyros oppositifolia can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to japanese persimmon plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Diospyros oppositifolia Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Diospyros oppositifolia, 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 Diospyros oppositifolia?

Diospyros oppositifolia 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 Diospyros oppositifolia Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Diospyros oppositifolia 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 Diospyros genus — compare its care with other Diospyros species on PlantoScan.

Diospyros is part of the Ebenaceae plant family — browse all Ebenaceae genera and species.

Diospyros oppositifolia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Diospyros Species

Other Diospyros species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Diospyros oppositifolia Thwaites, family Ebenaceae (first published in Enum. Pl. Zeyl. : 181 (1860)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Diospyros oppositifolia, 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.

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