Philyra brasiliensis Plant Care

Philyra brasiliensis (Philyra brasiliensis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Philyra genus. Philyra brasiliensis is native to Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina.

Philyra brasiliensis displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Philyra brasiliensis produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Philyra brasiliensis 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.

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

Philyra brasiliensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Philyra brasiliensis 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 like compost. Good drainage is essential for Philyra brasiliensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Philyra brasiliensis 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 like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Philyra brasiliensis 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.

Philyra brasiliensis can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Philyra brasiliensis 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.

Philyra brasiliensis 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.

Philyra brasiliensis can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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Philyra brasiliensis 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.

Philyra brasiliensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Philyra brasiliensis is native to Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Philyra brasiliensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.