Meliosma obtusa Plant Care

Meliosma obtusa (Meliosma bifida) belongs to the Sabiaceae family within the Meliosma genus. Meliosma obtusa is native to China, Japan, Taiwan. Meliosma obtusa is also known as Meliosma formosana.

Meliosma obtusa displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Meliosma obtusa produces small clusters of white or cream-colored flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Meliosma obtusa 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.

Meliosma obtusa thrives in partial shade to full sun.

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

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

Feed Meliosma obtusa 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 partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Meliosma obtusa 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.

Meliosma obtusa can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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.

Prune Meliosma obtusa 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.

Meliosma obtusa 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.

Meliosma obtusa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to meliosma cordata plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Meliosma obtusa 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.

Meliosma obtusa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Meliosma obtusa is native to China, Japan, Taiwan. In cooler regions, grow Meliosma obtusa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.