Madhuca obtusifolia Plant Care

Madhuca obtusifolia (King & Gamble) P.Royen

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Madhuca obtusifolia is a species of plant in the family Sapotaceae. It is a tree endemic to Peninsular Malaysia.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Madhuca obtusifolia?

Plant Madhuca obtusifolia 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.

Where Is the Madhuca obtusifolia Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Madhuca obtusifolia?

Madhuca obtusifolia (Madhuca obtusifolia) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Madhuca genus. Madhuca obtusifolia is native to Peninsular Malaysia.

Madhuca obtusifolia displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Madhuca obtusifolia produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Madhuca obtusifolia?

Water a young or newly planted Madhuca obtusifolia 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 Madhuca obtusifolia Need?

Madhuca obtusifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Madhuca obtusifolia Prefer?

Madhuca obtusifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Madhuca obtusifolia 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 Madhuca obtusifolia?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Madhuca obtusifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Madhuca obtusifolia?

Feed Madhuca obtusifolia 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 Madhuca obtusifolia?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Madhuca obtusifolia 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 Madhuca obtusifolia?

Madhuca obtusifolia can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 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.

How Do You Prune a Madhuca obtusifolia?

Prune Madhuca obtusifolia 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 Madhuca obtusifolia in Winter?

Madhuca obtusifolia 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 Madhuca obtusifolia?

Madhuca obtusifolia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to madhuca aristulata plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Madhuca obtusifolia Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Madhuca obtusifolia, 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 Madhuca obtusifolia?

Madhuca obtusifolia is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Madhuca obtusifolia Need?

Madhuca obtusifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Madhuca obtusifolia is native to Peninsular Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Madhuca obtusifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Madhuca obtusifolia 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 Madhuca genus — compare its care with other Madhuca species on PlantoScan.

Madhuca is part of the Sapotaceae plant family — browse all Sapotaceae genera and species.

Madhuca obtusifolia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Madhuca Species

Other Madhuca species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Madhuca obtusifolia (King & Gamble) P.Royen, family Sapotaceae (first published in Blumea 10: 51 (1960)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Madhuca obtusifolia, 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.

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