Leathery Dipterocarp Plant Care
Dipterocarpus coriaceus Slooten
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dipterocarpus coriaceus is a species of tree in the family Dipterocarpaceae endemic to Kalimantan, Sumatra and peninsular Malaysia. This very large tree occurs in mixed dipterocarp forests on hillsides and undulating land.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Leathery Dipterocarp?
Plant Leathery Dipterocarp in full sun (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Leathery Dipterocarp?
Leathery Dipterocarp (Dipterocarpus coriaceus) belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family within the Dipterocarpus genus. Leathery Dipterocarp is native to Kalimantan, Sumatra and peninsular Malaysia.
Leathery Dipterocarp displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 50 ft. Leathery Dipterocarp produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Leathery Dipterocarp?
Water a young or newly planted Leathery Dipterocarp 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 Leathery Dipterocarp Need?
Leathery Dipterocarp thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Leathery Dipterocarp Prefer?
Dipterocarpus coriaceus tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Leathery Dipterocarp prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Leathery Dipterocarp?
Well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Leathery Dipterocarp to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Leathery Dipterocarp?
Feed Leathery Dipterocarp every 8 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 8 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 Leathery Dipterocarp?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Leathery Dipterocarp is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
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 Leathery Dipterocarp?
Leathery Dipterocarp can spread to about 50 ft (15.2 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 50 ft (15.2 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 Leathery Dipterocarp?
Prune Leathery Dipterocarp 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 Leathery Dipterocarp in Winter?
Leathery Dipterocarp 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 Leathery Dipterocarp?
Leathery Dipterocarp can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dipterocarpus acutangulus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Leathery Dipterocarp Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Leathery Dipterocarp, 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 Leathery Dipterocarp?
Leathery Dipterocarp is susceptible to bark beetles, defoliators. 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 Leathery Dipterocarp Need?
Leathery Dipterocarp grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Leathery Dipterocarp is native to Kalimantan, Sumatra and peninsular Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Leathery Dipterocarp as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Leathery Dipterocarp 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 Dipterocarpus genus — compare its care with other Dipterocarpus species on PlantoScan.
Dipterocarpus is part of the Dipterocarpaceae plant family — browse all Dipterocarpaceae genera and species.
Leathery Dipterocarp thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Dipterocarpus Species
Other Dipterocarpus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dipterocarpus coriaceus Slooten, family Dipterocarpaceae (first published in Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg , sér. 3, 8: 331 (1927)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Leathery Dipterocarp, 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 13b, 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.
