Elattostachys xylocarpa Plant Care
Elattostachys xylocarpa Radlk.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Elattostachys xylocarpa, known as the white tamarind or short-leaf beetroot is a common rainforest tree of eastern Australia. Found in the drier rainforests, which are based on volcanic soils.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Elattostachys xylocarpa?
Plant Elattostachys xylocarpa in full sun to partial shade (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 Elattostachys xylocarpa?
Elattostachys xylocarpa (Elattostachys xylocarpa) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Elattostachys genus. Elattostachys xylocarpa is native to the drier rainforests, which are based on volcanic soils.
Elattostachys xylocarpa displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Elattostachys xylocarpa produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Elattostachys xylocarpa?
Water a young or newly planted Elattostachys xylocarpa 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 Elattostachys xylocarpa Need?
Elattostachys xylocarpa thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Elattostachys xylocarpa Prefer?
Elattostachys xylocarpa tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Elattostachys xylocarpa prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Elattostachys xylocarpa?
Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Elattostachys xylocarpa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Elattostachys xylocarpa?
Feed Elattostachys xylocarpa 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 Elattostachys xylocarpa?
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.
Elattostachys xylocarpa 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 Elattostachys xylocarpa?
Elattostachys xylocarpa 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 Elattostachys xylocarpa?
Prune Elattostachys xylocarpa 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 Elattostachys xylocarpa in Winter?
Elattostachys xylocarpa 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 Elattostachys xylocarpa?
Elattostachys xylocarpa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to elattostachys microcarpa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Elattostachys xylocarpa Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Elattostachys xylocarpa, 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 Elattostachys xylocarpa?
Elattostachys xylocarpa 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 Elattostachys xylocarpa Need?
Elattostachys xylocarpa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Elattostachys xylocarpa is native to the drier rainforests, which are based on volcanic soils. In cooler regions, grow Elattostachys xylocarpa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Elattostachys xylocarpa 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 Elattostachys genus — compare its care with other Elattostachys species on PlantoScan.
Elattostachys is part of the Sapindaceae plant family — browse all Sapindaceae genera and species.
Elattostachys xylocarpa thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Elattostachys xylocarpa Radlk., family Sapindaceae (first published in Sitzungsber. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. München 9: 502 (1879)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Elattostachys xylocarpa, 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.
