Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia Plant Care

Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia (Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Perebea genus. Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia is native to Ecuador, Peru, and northern and west-central Brazil.

Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia 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.

Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia thrives in partial to full sun.

Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia 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 well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia 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.

Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia 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.

Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia 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.

Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to perebea rubra plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia 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.

Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia is native to Ecuador, Peru, and northern and west-central Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Perebea rubra subsp. glabrifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.