Melanorrhoea tricolor Plant Care

Melanorrhoea tricolor (Melanorrhoea tricolor) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Melanorrhoea genus. Melanorrhoea tricolor is native to Southeast Asia.

Melanorrhoea tricolor displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Melanorrhoea tricolor produces small clusters of white or cream-colored flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Melanorrhoea tricolor 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.

Melanorrhoea tricolor thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Melanorrhoea tricolor tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Melanorrhoea tricolor prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Melanorrhoea tricolor to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Melanorrhoea tricolor 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Melanorrhoea tricolor is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Melanorrhoea tricolor 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 Melanorrhoea tricolor 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.

Melanorrhoea tricolor is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Melanorrhoea tricolor can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Melanorrhoea tricolor is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, caterpillars. 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.

Melanorrhoea tricolor grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Melanorrhoea tricolor is native to Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Melanorrhoea tricolor as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.