Olmediella betschleriana Plant Care

Olmediella betschleriana (Olmediella betschleriana) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Olmediella genus. Olmediella betschleriana is native to Central America.

Olmediella betschleriana displays a fast-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Olmediella betschleriana produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Olmediella betschleriana every 7–10 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.

Olmediella betschleriana thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Olmediella betschleriana tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Olmediella betschleriana prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Olmediella betschleriana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Olmediella betschleriana 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 full sun to partial shade and rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Olmediella betschleriana 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.

Olmediella betschleriana can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Olmediella betschleriana 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.

Olmediella betschleriana 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.

Olmediella betschleriana can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

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

Olmediella betschleriana 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.

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