Mastixia macrocarpa Plant Care

Mastixia macrocarpa K.M.Matthew

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Mastixia macrocarpa is a tree in the family Nyssaceae. The specific epithet macrocarpa is from the Greek meaning "large fruit".

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Mastixia macrocarpa?

Plant Mastixia macrocarpa in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 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 Mastixia macrocarpa?

Mastixia macrocarpa (Mastixia macrocarpa) belongs to the Nyssaceae family within the Mastixia genus.

Mastixia macrocarpa displays a slow-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Mastixia macrocarpa produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Mastixia macrocarpa?

Water a young or newly planted Mastixia macrocarpa 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 Mastixia macrocarpa Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mastixia macrocarpa Prefer?

Mastixia macrocarpa tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Mastixia macrocarpa 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 Mastixia macrocarpa?

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Mastixia macrocarpa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Mastixia macrocarpa?

Feed Mastixia macrocarpa 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 Mastixia macrocarpa?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mastixia macrocarpa 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 Mastixia macrocarpa?

Mastixia macrocarpa can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Mastixia macrocarpa?

Prune Mastixia macrocarpa 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 Mastixia macrocarpa in Winter?

Mastixia macrocarpa 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 Mastixia macrocarpa?

Mastixia macrocarpa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mastixia plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Mastixia macrocarpa Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Mastixia macrocarpa, 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 Mastixia macrocarpa?

Mastixia macrocarpa 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 Mastixia macrocarpa Need?

Mastixia macrocarpa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Mastixia macrocarpa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Mastixia macrocarpa 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 Mastixia genus — compare its care with other Mastixia species on PlantoScan.

Mastixia is part of the Nyssaceae plant family — browse all Nyssaceae genera and species.

Mastixia macrocarpa thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Mastixia Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Mastixia macrocarpa K.M.Matthew, family Nyssaceae (first published in Blumea 23: 75 (1976)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mastixia macrocarpa, 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Mastixia macrocarpa Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species