Polyalthia hispida Plant Care

Polyalthia hispida (Polyalthia hispida) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Polyalthia genus. Polyalthia hispida is native to the foothills of Mount Bartle Frere, in the catchments of the north and south arms of the Johnstone River, Queensland, Australia.

Polyalthia hispida displays an upright, pyramidal tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Polyalthia hispida produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Polyalthia hispida 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.

Polyalthia hispida thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Polyalthia hispida tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Polyalthia hispida 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 Polyalthia hispida to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Polyalthia hispida 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 well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Polyalthia hispida 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.

Polyalthia hispida 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.

Prune Polyalthia hispida 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.

Polyalthia hispida 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.

Polyalthia hispida can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to narrow-leaved polyalthia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Polyalthia hispida 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.

Polyalthia hispida grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Polyalthia hispida is native to the foothills of Mount Bartle Frere, in the catchments of the north and south arms of the Johnstone River, Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Polyalthia hispida as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.