Polyalthia lancilimba Plant Care
Polyalthia lancilimba C.Y.Wu ex P.T.Li
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Polyalthia lancilimba is a species of plant in the Annonaceae family. It is a tree endemic to southeastern Yunnan province of south-central China.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Polyalthia lancilimba?
Plant Polyalthia lancilimba in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Polyalthia lancilimba Native To?
What Is the Polyalthia lancilimba?
Polyalthia lancilimba (Polyalthia lancilimba) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Polyalthia genus. Polyalthia lancilimba is native to southeastern Yunnan province of south-central China.
Polyalthia lancilimba displays an upright, pyramidal tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Polyalthia lancilimba produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Polyalthia lancilimba?
Water a young or newly planted Polyalthia lancilimba 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 Polyalthia lancilimba Need?
Polyalthia lancilimba thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Polyalthia lancilimba Prefer?
Polyalthia lancilimba tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Polyalthia lancilimba prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Polyalthia lancilimba?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Polyalthia lancilimba to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Polyalthia lancilimba?
Feed Polyalthia lancilimba 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 Polyalthia lancilimba?
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 lancilimba 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 Polyalthia lancilimba?
Polyalthia lancilimba 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 Polyalthia lancilimba?
Prune Polyalthia lancilimba 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 Polyalthia lancilimba in Winter?
Polyalthia lancilimba 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 Polyalthia lancilimba?
Polyalthia lancilimba can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to narrow-leaved polyalthia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Polyalthia lancilimba Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Polyalthia lancilimba, 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 Polyalthia lancilimba?
Polyalthia lancilimba 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 Polyalthia lancilimba Need?
Polyalthia lancilimba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Polyalthia lancilimba is native to southeastern Yunnan province of south-central China. In cooler regions, grow Polyalthia lancilimba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Polyalthia lancilimba 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 Polyalthia genus — compare its care with other Polyalthia species on PlantoScan.
Polyalthia is part of the Annonaceae plant family — browse all Annonaceae genera and species.
Polyalthia lancilimba thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Polyalthia Species
Other Polyalthia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Polyalthia lancilimba C.Y.Wu ex P.T.Li, family Annonaceae (first published in Acta Phytotax. Sin. 14(1): 109 (1976)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Polyalthia lancilimba, 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.
