Quina Plant Care

Quina (Ocotea quixos) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Ocotea genus. Quina is native to Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. Quina is also known as Quina-quina.

Quina displays a tall tree, dense canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Quina produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Quina 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.

Quina thrives in partial to full sun.

Ocotea quixos tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Quina 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 Quina to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

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

Quina is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Quina 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 Quina 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.

Quina is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Quina can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to brazilian laurel plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Quina is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, aphids. 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.

Quina grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Quina is native to Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. In cooler regions, grow Quina as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.