Duguetia lepidota Plant Care

Duguetia lepidota (Duguetia lepidota) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Duguetia genus. Duguetia lepidota is native to northern South America.

Duguetia lepidota displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Duguetia lepidota produces showy, fragrant flowers in shades of white, yellow, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Duguetia lepidota 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.

Duguetia lepidota thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Duguetia lepidota tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Duguetia lepidota prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Duguetia lepidota to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Duguetia lepidota 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Duguetia lepidota 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.

Duguetia lepidota can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Duguetia lepidota 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.

Duguetia lepidota 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.

Duguetia lepidota can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to duguetia quitarensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Duguetia lepidota is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Duguetia lepidota grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Duguetia lepidota is native to northern South America. In cooler regions, grow Duguetia lepidota as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.