Macaranga Plant Care

Macaranga (Macaranga tanarius) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Macaranga genus. Macaranga is native to South East Asia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, South China, Taiwan, and eastern Australia. Macaranga is also known as Mahogany, Red Macaranga, Scarlet Macaranga.

Macaranga displays a fast-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Macaranga produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Macaranga 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.

Macaranga thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Macaranga in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Macaranga tanarius tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Macaranga prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Macaranga to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Macaranga every 4 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 bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Macaranga 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.

Macaranga 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 Macaranga 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.

Macaranga 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.

Macaranga can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to monkey apple plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Macaranga 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.

Macaranga grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Macaranga is native to South East Asia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, South China, Taiwan, and eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Macaranga as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.