White Poplar Plant Care

White Poplar (Endospermum medullosum) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Endospermum genus. White Poplar is native to Southeast Asia, Australia. White Poplar is also known as Balsa, Kagayan.

White Poplar displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. White Poplar produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted White Poplar 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.

White Poplar thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing White Poplar in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Endospermum medullosum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. White Poplar prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for White Poplar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed White Poplar 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

White Poplar 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.

White Poplar 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.

Prune White Poplar 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.

White Poplar 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.

White Poplar can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to macrophyllum endospermum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

White Poplar is susceptible to spider mites, 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.

White Poplar grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. White Poplar is native to Southeast Asia, Australia. In cooler regions, grow White Poplar as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.