Tavoy Goniothalamus Plant Care

Goniothalamus tavoyensis Chatterjee

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

The Goniothalamus tavoyensis is easily recognizable by its unique elongated, lance-shaped leaves. Originating from the tropical forests of Myanmar, this rare plant is highly sought after by collectors for its striking foliage and delicate flowers that bloom in shades of pink and white.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Tavoy Goniothalamus?

Plant Tavoy Goniothalamus in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Tavoy Goniothalamus Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Tavoy Goniothalamus?

Tavoy Goniothalamus (Goniothalamus tavoyensis) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Goniothalamus genus. Tavoy Goniothalamus is native to Myanmar and Thailand. Tavoy Goniothalamus is also known as Burmese Goniothalamus.

Tavoy Goniothalamus displays an upright, bushy tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Tavoy Goniothalamus produces small, fragrant flowers in shades of white, yellow, or green.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Tavoy Goniothalamus?

Water a young or newly planted Tavoy Goniothalamus 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Tavoy Goniothalamus Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tavoy Goniothalamus Prefer?

Goniothalamus tavoyensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Tavoy Goniothalamus prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tavoy Goniothalamus?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Tavoy Goniothalamus?

Feed Tavoy Goniothalamus 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Tavoy Goniothalamus?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tavoy Goniothalamus 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Tavoy Goniothalamus?

Tavoy Goniothalamus can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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.

How Do You Prune a Tavoy Goniothalamus?

Prune Tavoy Goniothalamus 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.

How Do You Care for a Tavoy Goniothalamus in Winter?

Tavoy Goniothalamus 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.

How Do You Propagate a Tavoy Goniothalamus?

Tavoy Goniothalamus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to amuyon plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Tavoy Goniothalamus Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

Toxic to humans and pets

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tavoy Goniothalamus?

Tavoy Goniothalamus 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tavoy Goniothalamus Need?

Tavoy Goniothalamus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Tavoy Goniothalamus is native to Myanmar and Thailand. In cooler regions, grow Tavoy Goniothalamus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Tavoy Goniothalamus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Goniothalamus genus — compare its care with other Goniothalamus species on PlantoScan.

Goniothalamus is part of the Annonaceae plant family — browse all Annonaceae genera and species.

Tavoy Goniothalamus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Goniothalamus Species

Other Goniothalamus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Goniothalamus tavoyensis Chatterjee, family Annonaceae (first published in J. Indian Bot. Soc. 19: 77 (1940)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Tavoy Goniothalamus is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Tavoy Goniothalamus Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species