Jellyfish Tree Plant Care

Jellyfish Tree (Medusagyne oppositifolia) belongs to the Ochnaceae family within the Medusagyne genus. Jellyfish Tree is native to the 1970s, gets its common name from the distinctive jellyfish-like shape of its dehisced fruit.

Jellyfish Tree displays a small, slow-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Jellyfish Tree produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Jellyfish Tree 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.

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

Medusagyne oppositifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Jellyfish Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Jellyfish Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Jellyfish Tree 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 bright indirect light and well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Jellyfish Tree 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.

Jellyfish Tree can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Jellyfish Tree 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.

Jellyfish Tree 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.

Jellyfish Tree can be propagated through seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Jellyfish Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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.

Jellyfish Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Jellyfish Tree is native to the 1970s, gets its common name from the distinctive jellyfish-like shape of its dehisced fruit. In cooler regions, grow Jellyfish Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.