Fontainea subpapuana Plant Care

Fontainea subpapuana (Fontainea subpapuana) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Fontainea genus. Fontainea subpapuana is native to Papua New Guinea in the family, Euphorbiaceae, which grows to a height of 7 m.

Fontainea subpapuana displays a small tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Fontainea subpapuana produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fontainea subpapuana 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.

Fontainea subpapuana thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Fontainea subpapuana tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Fontainea subpapuana prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Fontainea subpapuana 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. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fontainea subpapuana is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Fontainea subpapuana 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 Fontainea subpapuana 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.

Fontainea subpapuana 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.

Fontainea subpapuana can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fontainea australis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Fontainea subpapuana is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Fontainea subpapuana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Fontainea subpapuana is native to Papua New Guinea in the family, Euphorbiaceae, which grows to a height of 7 m. In cooler regions, grow Fontainea subpapuana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.