Erythroxylum macrophyllum Plant Care

Erythroxylum macrophyllum (Erythroxylum macrophyllum) belongs to the Erythroxylaceae family within the Erythroxylum genus. Erythroxylum macrophyllum is native to Costa Rica.

Erythroxylum macrophyllum displays a small tree, shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Erythroxylum macrophyllum produces small white or yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Erythroxylum macrophyllum 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.

Erythroxylum macrophyllum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Erythroxylum macrophyllum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Erythroxylum macrophyllum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Erythroxylum macrophyllum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Erythroxylum macrophyllum 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 sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Erythroxylum macrophyllum 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.

Erythroxylum macrophyllum can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Erythroxylum macrophyllum 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.

Erythroxylum macrophyllum 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.

Erythroxylum macrophyllum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Erythroxylum macrophyllum 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.

Erythroxylum macrophyllum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Erythroxylum macrophyllum is native to Costa Rica. In cooler regions, grow Erythroxylum macrophyllum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.