Pentaceras australis Plant Care

Pentaceras australis (Pentaceras australis) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Pentaceras genus. Pentaceras australis is native to eastern Australia, first described in 1862.

Pentaceras australis displays a small tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Pentaceras australis produces fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pentaceras australis 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.

Pentaceras australis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Pentaceras australis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Pentaceras australis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added sand and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Pentaceras australis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pentaceras australis 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 well-draining loamy soil with added sand and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pentaceras australis 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.

Pentaceras australis can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 8 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 Pentaceras australis 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.

Pentaceras australis 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.

Pentaceras australis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Pentaceras australis is susceptible to scale insects, citrus leaf miner. 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.

Pentaceras australis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Pentaceras australis is native to eastern Australia, first described in 1862. In cooler regions, grow Pentaceras australis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.