Water Elm Plant Care

Water Elm (Planera aquatica) belongs to the Ulmaceae family within the Planera genus. Water Elm is native to most of the southeast United States. Water Elm is also known as Ogeechee Tupelo, Ogeechee Lime, American Hophornbeam.

Water Elm displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Water Elm produces inconspicuous small green flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Water Elm 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.

Water Elm thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Planera aquatica tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Water Elm prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Water Elm 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 rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Water Elm is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Water Elm can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Water Elm 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.

Water Elm is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Water Elm can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

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

Water Elm is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Water Elm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Water Elm is native to most of the southeast United States. In cooler regions, grow Water Elm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.