Meliosma sirensis Plant Care

Meliosma sirensis A.H.Gentry

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Meliosma sirensis is a species of plant in the Sabiaceae family. It is endemic to Peru.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Meliosma sirensis?

Plant Meliosma sirensis in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Meliosma sirensis Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Meliosma sirensis?

Meliosma sirensis (Meliosma sirensis) belongs to the Sabiaceae family within the Meliosma genus. Meliosma sirensis is native to Peru.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Meliosma sirensis?

Water a young or newly planted Meliosma sirensis 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 Meliosma sirensis Need?

Meliosma sirensis thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Meliosma sirensis Prefer?

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

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Meliosma sirensis?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Meliosma sirensis?

Feed Meliosma sirensis 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 Meliosma sirensis?

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 sirensis 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Meliosma sirensis?

Meliosma sirensis 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.

How Do You Prune a Meliosma sirensis?

Prune Meliosma sirensis 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 Meliosma sirensis in Winter?

Meliosma sirensis 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 Meliosma sirensis?

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

Is the Meliosma sirensis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Meliosma sirensis, 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 Meliosma sirensis?

Meliosma sirensis 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 Meliosma sirensis Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Meliosma sirensis 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 Meliosma genus — compare its care with other Meliosma species on PlantoScan.

Meliosma is part of the Sabiaceae plant family — browse all Sabiaceae genera and species.

Meliosma sirensis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Meliosma Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Meliosma sirensis A.H.Gentry, family Sabiaceae (first published in Novon 2: 157 (1992)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Meliosma sirensis, 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 13a, 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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