Knema viridis Plant Care

Knema viridis W.J.de Wilde

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Knema viridis is a species of plant in the family Myristicaceae. It is a tree endemic to Borneo where it is confined to Sarawak.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Knema viridis?

Plant Knema viridis in partial shade to full sun (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 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Knema viridis Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Knema viridis?

Knema viridis (Knema viridis) belongs to the Myristicaceae family within the Knema genus. Knema viridis is native to Borneo.

Knema viridis displays a tall, evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Knema viridis produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Knema viridis?

Water a young or newly planted Knema viridis 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 Knema viridis Need?

Knema viridis thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Knema viridis Prefer?

Knema viridis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Knema viridis prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Knema viridis?

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Knema viridis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Knema viridis?

Feed Knema viridis 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 Knema viridis?

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

Knema viridis 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 Knema viridis?

Knema viridis can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 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.

How Do You Prune a Knema viridis?

Prune Knema viridis 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 Knema viridis in Winter?

Knema viridis 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 Knema viridis?

Knema viridis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to knema alvarezii plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Knema viridis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Knema viridis, 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 Knema viridis?

Knema viridis is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Knema viridis Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Knema viridis 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 Knema genus — compare its care with other Knema species on PlantoScan.

Knema is part of the Myristicaceae plant family — browse all Myristicaceae genera and species.

Knema viridis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Knema Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Knema viridis W.J.de Wilde, family Myristicaceae (first published in Blumea 32: 121 (1987)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Knema viridis, 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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