Erythrochiton giganteus Plant Care

Erythrochiton giganteus (Erythrochiton giganteus) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Erythrochiton genus. Erythrochiton giganteus is native to Ecuador.

Erythrochiton giganteus displays a small tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Erythrochiton giganteus produces fragrant white flowers with yellow stamens.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Erythrochiton giganteus 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.

Erythrochiton giganteus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Erythrochiton giganteus tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F. Erythrochiton giganteus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Erythrochiton giganteus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Erythrochiton giganteus 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Erythrochiton giganteus is suited to USDA Zone 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.

Erythrochiton giganteus 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 Erythrochiton giganteus 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.

Erythrochiton giganteus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Erythrochiton giganteus can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to erythrochiton gymnanthus plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Erythrochiton giganteus is susceptible to citrus leafminer, citrus red mite, aphids. 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.

Erythrochiton giganteus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12b. Erythrochiton giganteus is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Erythrochiton giganteus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.