Thunberg's Machilus Plant Care

Thunberg's Machilus (Machilus thunbergii) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Machilus genus. Thunberg's Machilus is native to Vietnam, Taiwan, southeast and north-central China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. Thunberg's Machilus is also known as Japanese Bay.

Thunberg's Machilus displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Thunberg's Machilus produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Thunberg's Machilus 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.

Thunberg's Machilus thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Thunberg's Machilus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Machilus thunbergii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Thunberg's Machilus prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or leaf mold. Good drainage is essential for Thunberg's Machilus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Thunberg's Machilus 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 shade and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or leaf mold. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Thunberg's Machilus is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Thunberg's Machilus can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Thunberg's Machilus 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.

Thunberg's Machilus 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.

Thunberg's Machilus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to machilus plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Thunberg's Machilus is susceptible to 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.

Thunberg's Machilus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Thunberg's Machilus is native to Vietnam, Taiwan, southeast and north-central China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. In cooler regions, grow Thunberg's Machilus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.