Dryadodaphne trachyphloia Plant Care
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia Schodde
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia, commonly known as grey sassafras, is a species of plant in the family Atherospermataceae. It is endemic to a small area in the Wet Tropics bioregion of Queensland, Australia.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dryadodaphne trachyphloia?
Plant Dryadodaphne trachyphloia in partial to full shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Dryadodaphne trachyphloia Native To?
What Is the Dryadodaphne trachyphloia?
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia (Dryadodaphne trachyphloia) belongs to the Atherospermataceae family within the Dryadodaphne genus. Dryadodaphne trachyphloia is native to a small area in the Wet Tropics bioregion of Queensland, Australia.
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Dryadodaphne trachyphloia produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dryadodaphne trachyphloia?
Water a young or newly planted Dryadodaphne trachyphloia 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 Dryadodaphne trachyphloia Need?
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Dryadodaphne trachyphloia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dryadodaphne trachyphloia Prefer?
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Dryadodaphne trachyphloia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dryadodaphne trachyphloia?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Dryadodaphne trachyphloia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dryadodaphne trachyphloia?
Feed Dryadodaphne trachyphloia 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 Dryadodaphne trachyphloia?
Choose a spot with partial to full shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia 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 Dryadodaphne trachyphloia?
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Dryadodaphne trachyphloia?
Prune Dryadodaphne trachyphloia 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 Dryadodaphne trachyphloia in Winter?
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia 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 Dryadodaphne trachyphloia?
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Dryadodaphne trachyphloia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dryadodaphne trachyphloia, 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 Dryadodaphne trachyphloia?
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Dryadodaphne trachyphloia Need?
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Dryadodaphne trachyphloia is native to a small area in the Wet Tropics bioregion of Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Dryadodaphne trachyphloia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia 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 Dryadodaphne genus — compare its care with other Dryadodaphne species on PlantoScan.
Dryadodaphne is part of the Atherospermataceae plant family — browse all Atherospermataceae genera and species.
Dryadodaphne trachyphloia copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dryadodaphne trachyphloia Schodde, family Atherospermataceae (first published in Fl. Australia 2: 456 (2007)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dryadodaphne trachyphloia, 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.
