Mischocarpus ailae Plant Care
Mischocarpus ailae Guymer
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Mischocarpus ailae, known as the woolly pear-fruit, is a rainforest tree of north eastern New South Wales and south east Queensland, Australia. These southern populations comprising M.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full sun
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Mischocarpus ailae?
Plant Mischocarpus ailae in partial to full sun (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Mischocarpus ailae?
Mischocarpus ailae (Mischocarpus ailae) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Mischocarpus genus.
Mischocarpus ailae displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 25 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Mischocarpus ailae produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mischocarpus ailae?
Water a young or newly planted Mischocarpus ailae 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 Mischocarpus ailae Need?
Mischocarpus ailae thrives in partial to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mischocarpus ailae Prefer?
Mischocarpus ailae tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Mischocarpus ailae prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mischocarpus ailae?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Mischocarpus ailae to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mischocarpus ailae?
Feed Mischocarpus ailae 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 Mischocarpus ailae?
Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Mischocarpus ailae 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 Mischocarpus ailae?
Mischocarpus ailae can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 25 ft (8 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.
How Do You Prune a Mischocarpus ailae?
Prune Mischocarpus ailae 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 Mischocarpus ailae in Winter?
Mischocarpus ailae 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 Mischocarpus ailae?
Mischocarpus ailae can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Mischocarpus ailae Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mischocarpus ailae, 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 Mischocarpus ailae?
Mischocarpus ailae is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mischocarpus ailae Need?
Mischocarpus ailae grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Mischocarpus ailae as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Mischocarpus ailae 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 Mischocarpus genus — compare its care with other Mischocarpus species on PlantoScan.
Mischocarpus is part of the Sapindaceae plant family — browse all Sapindaceae genera and species.
Mischocarpus ailae thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Mischocarpus ailae Guymer, family Sapindaceae (first published in Austrobaileya 8: 91 (2009)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mischocarpus ailae, 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.
