Pachystroma longifolium Plant Care

Pachystroma longifolium (Pachystroma longifolium) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Pachystroma genus. Pachystroma longifolium is native to Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.

Pachystroma longifolium displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Pachystroma longifolium produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pachystroma longifolium 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.

Pachystroma longifolium thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pachystroma longifolium in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pachystroma longifolium tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Pachystroma longifolium prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Pachystroma longifolium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pachystroma longifolium 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pachystroma longifolium is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Pachystroma longifolium can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Pachystroma longifolium 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.

Pachystroma longifolium 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.

Pachystroma longifolium can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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

Pachystroma longifolium is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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.

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