Mappia racemosa Plant Care

Mappia racemosa (Mappia racemosa) belongs to the Icacinaceae family within the Mappia genus. Mappia racemosa is native to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, and Puerto Rico.

Mappia racemosa displays a tall tree, upright habit growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Mappia racemosa produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mappia racemosa 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.

Mappia racemosa thrives in filtered sunlight, partial shade. Avoid placing Mappia racemosa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Mappia racemosa tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Mappia racemosa prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Mappia racemosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mappia racemosa 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 filtered sunlight, partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mappia racemosa 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.

Mappia racemosa 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 Mappia racemosa 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.

Mappia racemosa 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.

Mappia racemosa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mappia nimmoniana plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Mappia racemosa 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.

Mappia racemosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Mappia racemosa is native to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, and Puerto Rico. In cooler regions, grow Mappia racemosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.