Mauloutchia sambiranensis Plant Care

Mauloutchia sambiranensis (Capuron) Sauquet

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its large, heart-shaped leaves and striking red veins, this plant hails from the rainforests of Madagascar. Plant collectors are drawn to Mauloutchia sambiranensis for its unique foliage that adds a vibrant pop of color and texture to any indoor jungle.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial to full shade

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Mauloutchia sambiranensis?

Plant Mauloutchia sambiranensis in partial to full shade (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 Mauloutchia sambiranensis?

Mauloutchia sambiranensis (Mauloutchia sambiranensis) belongs to the Myristicaceae family within the Mauloutchia genus. Mauloutchia sambiranensis is native to Madagascar.

Mauloutchia sambiranensis displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Mauloutchia sambiranensis produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Mauloutchia sambiranensis?

Water a young or newly planted Mauloutchia sambiranensis 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 Mauloutchia sambiranensis Need?

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

Light Requirement

Partial to full shade

100–500 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mauloutchia sambiranensis Prefer?

Mauloutchia sambiranensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Mauloutchia sambiranensis prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mauloutchia sambiranensis?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Mauloutchia sambiranensis?

Feed Mauloutchia sambiranensis 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 Mauloutchia sambiranensis?

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mauloutchia sambiranensis 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 Mauloutchia sambiranensis?

Mauloutchia sambiranensis can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Mauloutchia sambiranensis?

Prune Mauloutchia sambiranensis 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 Mauloutchia sambiranensis in Winter?

Mauloutchia sambiranensis 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 Mauloutchia sambiranensis?

Mauloutchia sambiranensis can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Mauloutchia sambiranensis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Mauloutchia sambiranensis, 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 Mauloutchia sambiranensis?

Mauloutchia sambiranensis is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, 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 Mauloutchia sambiranensis Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Mauloutchia sambiranensis 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 Mauloutchia genus — compare its care with other Mauloutchia species on PlantoScan.

Mauloutchia is part of the Myristicaceae plant family — browse all Myristicaceae genera and species.

Mauloutchia sambiranensis copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Mauloutchia sambiranensis (Capuron) Sauquet, family Myristicaceae (first published in Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 146: 367 (2004)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mauloutchia sambiranensis, 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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