Pterygota mildbraedii (Pterygota mildbraedii)

Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist

Pterygota mildbraedii Plant Care

Pterygota mildbraedii Engl.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

The Pterygota mildbraedii is easily recognized by its large, glossy green leaves that can reach up to 12 inches in length. Native to tropical regions of Africa, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique foliage and impressive size, making it a striking addition to any indoor jungle.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Pterygota mildbraedii?

Plant Pterygota mildbraedii in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Pterygota mildbraedii?

Pterygota mildbraedii (Pterygota mildbraedii) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Pterygota genus. Pterygota mildbraedii is native to Africa.

Pterygota mildbraedii displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Pterygota mildbraedii produces showy clusters of small white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Pterygota mildbraedii?

Water a young or newly planted Pterygota mildbraedii 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 Pterygota mildbraedii Need?

Pterygota mildbraedii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pterygota mildbraedii Prefer?

Pterygota mildbraedii tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Pterygota mildbraedii prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pterygota mildbraedii?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Pterygota mildbraedii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Pterygota mildbraedii?

Feed Pterygota mildbraedii 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 Pterygota mildbraedii?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pterygota mildbraedii is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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 Pterygota mildbraedii?

Pterygota mildbraedii 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.

How Do You Prune a Pterygota mildbraedii?

Prune Pterygota mildbraedii 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 Pterygota mildbraedii in Winter?

Pterygota mildbraedii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). 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 Pterygota mildbraedii?

Pterygota mildbraedii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to buddha tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Pterygota mildbraedii Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Pterygota mildbraedii, 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 Pterygota mildbraedii?

Pterygota mildbraedii 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pterygota mildbraedii Need?

Pterygota mildbraedii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Pterygota mildbraedii is native to Africa. In cooler regions, grow Pterygota mildbraedii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Pterygota mildbraedii 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 Pterygota genus — compare its care with other Pterygota species on PlantoScan.

Pterygota is part of the Malvaceae plant family — browse all Malvaceae genera and species.

Pterygota mildbraedii 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: Pterygota mildbraedii Engl., family Malvaceae (first published in Wiss. Erg. Deut. Zentr.-Afr. Exped., Bot. 2: 506 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pterygota mildbraedii, 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.
  • Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • 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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