Lecythis lurida Plant Care

Lecythis lurida (Lecythis lurida) belongs to the Lecythidaceae family within the Lecythis genus.

Lecythis lurida displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Lecythis lurida produces large showy flowers with unique shape and color.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lecythis lurida 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.

Lecythis lurida thrives in partial to full sun.

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

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Lecythis lurida to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lecythis lurida 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 partial to full sun and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lecythis lurida 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.

Lecythis lurida 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 Lecythis lurida 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.

Lecythis lurida 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.

Lecythis lurida can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lecythis ampla plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Lecythis lurida 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.

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