Hopea centipeda Plant Care

Hopea centipeda P.S.Ashton

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Hopea centipeda is a tree in the family Dipterocarpaceae, native to Borneo. The specific epithet centipeda means "hundred feet", referring to the stilt roots.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Hopea centipeda?

Plant Hopea centipeda in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Hopea centipeda Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Hopea centipeda?

Hopea centipeda (Hopea centipeda) belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family within the Hopea genus. Hopea centipeda is native to Borneo.

Hopea centipeda displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 50 ft. Hopea centipeda produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Hopea centipeda?

Water a young or newly planted Hopea centipeda 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 Hopea centipeda Need?

Hopea centipeda thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hopea centipeda Prefer?

Hopea centipeda tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Hopea centipeda prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hopea centipeda?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Hopea centipeda?

Feed Hopea centipeda every 8 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 8 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 Hopea centipeda?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hopea centipeda 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 Hopea centipeda?

Hopea centipeda can spread to about 50 ft (15.2 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 50 ft (15.2 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 Hopea centipeda?

Prune Hopea centipeda 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 Hopea centipeda in Winter?

Hopea centipeda 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 Hopea centipeda?

Hopea centipeda can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese hopea plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Hopea centipeda Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Hopea centipeda, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

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 Hopea centipeda?

Hopea centipeda 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hopea centipeda Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Hopea centipeda 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 Hopea genus (family Dipterocarpaceae) — search all Hopea species in the plant lookup.

Hopea centipeda thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Hopea Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Hopea centipeda P.S.Ashton, family Dipterocarpaceae (first published in Gard. Bull. Singapore 22: 274 (1967)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hopea centipeda, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. 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.

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