Caloneura caloneura Plant Care
Naucleopsis caloneura Ducke
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, glossy, dark green leaves that have prominent yellow veins, this tropical beauty is native to the rainforests of Africa. Plant collectors are drawn to Naucleopsis caloneura for its striking foliage and unique coloration, making it a coveted addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Caloneura caloneura?
Plant Caloneura caloneura in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 11b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Caloneura caloneura?
Caloneura caloneura (Naucleopsis caloneura) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Naucleopsis genus. Caloneura caloneura is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador.
Caloneura caloneura displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Caloneura caloneura produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Caloneura caloneura?
Water a young or newly planted Caloneura caloneura 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 Caloneura caloneura Need?
Caloneura caloneura thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Caloneura caloneura Prefer?
Naucleopsis caloneura tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Caloneura caloneura prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Caloneura caloneura?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Caloneura caloneura to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Caloneura caloneura?
Feed Caloneura caloneura 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 Caloneura caloneura?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Caloneura caloneura is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Caloneura caloneura?
Caloneura caloneura 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.
How Do You Prune a Caloneura caloneura?
Prune Caloneura caloneura 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 Caloneura caloneura in Winter?
Caloneura caloneura 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.
How Do You Propagate a Caloneura caloneura?
Caloneura caloneura can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chiguiro plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Caloneura caloneura Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Caloneura caloneura, 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 Caloneura caloneura?
Caloneura caloneura is susceptible to mealybugs, 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 Caloneura caloneura Need?
Caloneura caloneura grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Caloneura caloneura is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Caloneura caloneura as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Caloneura caloneura 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 Naucleopsis genus — compare its care with other Naucleopsis species on PlantoScan.
Naucleopsis is part of the Moraceae plant family — browse all Moraceae genera and species.
Caloneura caloneura 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: Naucleopsis caloneura Ducke, family Moraceae (first published in Arch. Jard. Bot. Rio de Janeiro 3: 38 (1922)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Caloneura caloneura, 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 11b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
