Phoebe macrocarpa Plant Care

Phoebe macrocarpa C.Y.Wu

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its glossy, dark green leaves that are often tinged with red, this plant originates from the rainforests of Australia. Plant collectors are drawn to Phoebe macrocarpa for its unique foliage, which adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor space.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial to full sun

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Phoebe macrocarpa?

Plant Phoebe macrocarpa in partial to full sun (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Phoebe macrocarpa Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Phoebe macrocarpa?

Phoebe macrocarpa (Phoebe macrocarpa) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Phoebe genus. Phoebe macrocarpa is native to Vietnam.

Phoebe macrocarpa displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Phoebe macrocarpa produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Phoebe macrocarpa?

Water a young or newly planted Phoebe macrocarpa 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Phoebe macrocarpa Need?

Phoebe macrocarpa thrives in partial to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Phoebe macrocarpa Prefer?

Phoebe macrocarpa tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Phoebe macrocarpa prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Phoebe macrocarpa?

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Phoebe macrocarpa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Phoebe macrocarpa?

Feed Phoebe macrocarpa 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Phoebe macrocarpa?

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Phoebe macrocarpa 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Phoebe macrocarpa?

Phoebe macrocarpa can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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.

How Do You Prune a Phoebe macrocarpa?

Prune Phoebe macrocarpa 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.

How Do You Care for a Phoebe macrocarpa in Winter?

Phoebe macrocarpa 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.

How Do You Propagate a Phoebe macrocarpa?

Phoebe macrocarpa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to phoebe bootanica plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Phoebe macrocarpa Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Phoebe macrocarpa, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Phoebe macrocarpa?

Phoebe macrocarpa is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Phoebe macrocarpa Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Phoebe macrocarpa is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Phoebe genus — compare its care with other Phoebe species on PlantoScan.

Phoebe is part of the Lauraceae plant family — browse all Lauraceae genera and species.

Phoebe macrocarpa thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Phoebe Species

Other Phoebe species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Phoebe macrocarpa C.Y.Wu, family Lauraceae (first published in Acta Phytotax. Sin. 6: 211 (1957)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Phoebe macrocarpa, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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