Labourdonnaisia calophylloides Plant Care

Labourdonnaisia calophylloides (Labourdonnaisia calophylloides) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Labourdonnaisia genus. Labourdonnaisia calophylloides is native to the islands of Mauritius and Réunion in the Indian Ocean.

Labourdonnaisia calophylloides displays a tall, columnar tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Labourdonnaisia calophylloides produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Labourdonnaisia calophylloides 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.

Labourdonnaisia calophylloides thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Labourdonnaisia calophylloides tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Labourdonnaisia calophylloides 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 Labourdonnaisia calophylloides to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Labourdonnaisia calophylloides 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.

Labourdonnaisia calophylloides 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.

Labourdonnaisia calophylloides can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Labourdonnaisia calophylloides 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.

Labourdonnaisia calophylloides 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.

Labourdonnaisia calophylloides can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bois de fer plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Labourdonnaisia calophylloides is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, 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.

Labourdonnaisia calophylloides grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Labourdonnaisia calophylloides is native to the islands of Mauritius and Réunion in the Indian Ocean. In cooler regions, grow Labourdonnaisia calophylloides as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.