Sandbox Tree Plant Care

Sandbox Tree (Hura crepitans) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Hura genus. Sandbox Tree is native to tropical regions of North and South America including the Amazon rainforest. Sandbox Tree is also known as Hura, Monkey Dinner Bell, Jabillo.

Sandbox Tree displays a large spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Sandbox Tree produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sandbox Tree 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.

Sandbox Tree thrives in full sun.

Hura crepitans tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Sandbox Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Sandbox Tree 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 and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sandbox Tree 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.

Sandbox Tree can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Sandbox Tree 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.

Sandbox Tree 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.

Sandbox Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hura polyandra plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Sandbox Tree is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Sandbox Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Sandbox Tree is native to tropical regions of North and South America including the Amazon rainforest. In cooler regions, grow Sandbox Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.