Quararibea platyphylla Plant Care

Quararibea platyphylla Pittier & Donn.Sm.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Quararibea platyphylla is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is a tree native to Costa Rica and Panama.

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 Quararibea platyphylla?

Plant Quararibea platyphylla in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) 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.

Where Is the Quararibea platyphylla Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Quararibea platyphylla?

Quararibea platyphylla (Quararibea platyphylla) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Quararibea genus. Quararibea platyphylla is native to Costa Rica and Panama.

Quararibea platyphylla displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Quararibea platyphylla produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Quararibea platyphylla?

Water a young or newly planted Quararibea platyphylla 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 Quararibea platyphylla Need?

Quararibea platyphylla thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Quararibea platyphylla Prefer?

Quararibea platyphylla tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Quararibea platyphylla 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 Quararibea platyphylla?

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or aged manure. Good drainage is essential for Quararibea platyphylla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Quararibea platyphylla?

Feed Quararibea platyphylla 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 Quararibea platyphylla?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or aged manure. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Quararibea platyphylla 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 Quararibea platyphylla?

Quararibea platyphylla 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 Quararibea platyphylla?

Prune Quararibea platyphylla 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 Quararibea platyphylla in Winter?

Quararibea platyphylla 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 Quararibea platyphylla?

Quararibea platyphylla can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to quararibea asterolepis plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Quararibea platyphylla Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Quararibea platyphylla, 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 Quararibea platyphylla?

Quararibea platyphylla is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Quararibea platyphylla Need?

Quararibea platyphylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Quararibea platyphylla is native to Costa Rica and Panama. In cooler regions, grow Quararibea platyphylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Quararibea platyphylla 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 Quararibea genus — compare its care with other Quararibea species on PlantoScan.

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

Quararibea platyphylla thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Quararibea Species

Other Quararibea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Quararibea platyphylla Pittier & Donn.Sm., family Malvaceae (first published in Bot. Gaz. 23: 239 (1897)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Quararibea platyphylla, 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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