Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Plant Care
Lecaniodiscus punctatus J.B.Hall
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its large, glossy, dark green leaves with prominent white speckles. Originating from tropical Africa, Lecaniodiscus punctatus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching foliage that adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor jungle.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius?
Plant Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius 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 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius?
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius (Lecaniodiscus punctatus) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Lecaniodiscus genus. Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius is native to Cameroon and Ghana. Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius is also known as Afzelia punctata, Baphia punctata.
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius produces small white or yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius?
Water a young or newly planted Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius 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 Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Need?
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Prefer?
Lecaniodiscus punctatus tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius?
Feed Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 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 Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius 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 Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius?
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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.
How Do You Prune a Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius?
Prune Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius 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 Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius in Winter?
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius 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 Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius?
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius, 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 Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius?
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius 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 Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Need?
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius is native to Cameroon and Ghana. In cooler regions, grow Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius 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 Lecaniodiscus genus — compare its care with other Lecaniodiscus species on PlantoScan.
Lecaniodiscus is part of the Sapindaceae plant family — browse all Sapindaceae genera and species.
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lecaniodiscus punctatus J.B.Hall, family Sapindaceae (first published in Bull. Jard. Bot. Natl. Belg. 50: 262 (1980)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius, 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.
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