Guioa longifolia Plant Care

Guioa longifolia (Guioa comesperma) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Guioa genus. Guioa longifolia is native to New Guinea and its surrounding islands as well as in Australia. Guioa longifolia is also known as Native Quince, White Tamarind.

Guioa longifolia displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 25 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Guioa longifolia produces small clusters of white or cream-colored flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Guioa longifolia 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.

Guioa longifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Guioa comesperma tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Guioa longifolia prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Guioa longifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Guioa longifolia 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 loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Guioa longifolia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Guioa longifolia can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 25 ft (8 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 Guioa longifolia 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.

Guioa longifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Guioa longifolia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to guioa lasioneura plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Guioa longifolia is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Guioa longifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Guioa longifolia is native to New Guinea and its surrounding islands as well as in Australia. In cooler regions, grow Guioa longifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.