Pleodendron macranthum Plant Care

Pleodendron macranthum Tiegh.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Pleodendron macranthum (chupacallos) is a rare species of tree in the family Canellaceae. It is endemic to Puerto Rico, where there are only three tiny populations remaining.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Pleodendron macranthum?

Plant Pleodendron macranthum in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Pleodendron macranthum Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Pleodendron macranthum?

Pleodendron macranthum (Pleodendron macranthum) belongs to the Canellaceae family within the Pleodendron genus. Pleodendron macranthum is native to Puerto Rico.

Pleodendron macranthum displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Pleodendron macranthum produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Pleodendron macranthum?

Water a young or newly planted Pleodendron macranthum 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 Pleodendron macranthum Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pleodendron macranthum Prefer?

Pleodendron macranthum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Pleodendron macranthum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pleodendron macranthum?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Pleodendron macranthum?

Feed Pleodendron macranthum 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 Pleodendron macranthum?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pleodendron macranthum 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Pleodendron macranthum?

Pleodendron macranthum can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Pleodendron macranthum?

Prune Pleodendron macranthum 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 Pleodendron macranthum in Winter?

Pleodendron macranthum 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 Pleodendron macranthum?

Pleodendron macranthum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Pleodendron macranthum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Pleodendron macranthum, 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 Pleodendron macranthum?

Pleodendron macranthum is susceptible to aphids, 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pleodendron macranthum Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Pleodendron macranthum 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 Pleodendron genus — compare its care with other Pleodendron species on PlantoScan.

Pleodendron is part of the Canellaceae plant family — browse all Canellaceae genera and species.

Pleodendron macranthum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Pleodendron macranthum Tiegh., family Canellaceae (first published in J. Bot. (Morot) 13: 272 (1899)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pleodendron macranthum, 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 13b, 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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