Lepiderema sericolignis Plant Care
Lepiderema sericolignis Radlk.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lepiderema sericolignis, commonly known as silkwood, is a plant in the maple and lychee family Sapindaceae found only in the Wet Tropics bioregion of Queensland, Australia.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lepiderema sericolignis?
Plant Lepiderema sericolignis in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Lepiderema sericolignis?
Lepiderema sericolignis (Lepiderema sericolignis) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Lepiderema genus.
Lepiderema sericolignis displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Lepiderema sericolignis produces small clusters of white, fragrant flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lepiderema sericolignis?
Water a young or newly planted Lepiderema sericolignis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Lepiderema sericolignis Need?
Lepiderema sericolignis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Lepiderema sericolignis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lepiderema sericolignis Prefer?
Lepiderema sericolignis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Lepiderema sericolignis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lepiderema sericolignis?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Lepiderema sericolignis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lepiderema sericolignis?
Feed Lepiderema sericolignis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 Lepiderema sericolignis?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Lepiderema sericolignis is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Lepiderema sericolignis?
Lepiderema sericolignis can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Lepiderema sericolignis?
Prune Lepiderema sericolignis 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 shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Lepiderema sericolignis in Winter?
Lepiderema sericolignis 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 Lepiderema sericolignis?
Lepiderema sericolignis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lepiderema hirsuta plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lepiderema sericolignis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lepiderema sericolignis, 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 Lepiderema sericolignis?
Lepiderema sericolignis is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lepiderema sericolignis Need?
Lepiderema sericolignis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Lepiderema sericolignis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Lepiderema sericolignis 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 Lepiderema genus — compare its care with other Lepiderema species on PlantoScan.
Lepiderema is part of the Sapindaceae plant family — browse all Sapindaceae genera and species.
Lepiderema sericolignis 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: Lepiderema sericolignis Radlk., family Sapindaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 20: 29 (1924)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lepiderema sericolignis, 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.
