Endodesmia calophylloides Plant Care

Endodesmia calophylloides (Endodesmia calophylloides) belongs to the Calophyllaceae family within the Endodesmia genus. Endodesmia calophylloides is native to southern Nigeria and west-central tropical Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Endodesmia calophylloides displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Endodesmia calophylloides produces small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Endodesmia calophylloides every 7–10 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.

Endodesmia calophylloides thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Endodesmia calophylloides in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Endodesmia calophylloides tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Endodesmia calophylloides prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Endodesmia calophylloides to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Endodesmia calophylloides 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 filtered sunlight or partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Endodesmia calophylloides is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Endodesmia calophylloides can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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.

Prune Endodesmia calophylloides 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.

Endodesmia calophylloides is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Endodesmia calophylloides can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Endodesmia calophylloides is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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.

Endodesmia calophylloides grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Endodesmia calophylloides is native to southern Nigeria and west-central tropical Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, and Democratic Republic of the Congo. In cooler regions, grow Endodesmia calophylloides as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.