Santa Maria tree Plant Care

Santa Maria tree (Quararibea santaritensis) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Quararibea genus. Santa Maria tree is native to Central America. Santa Maria tree is also known as Santa Rita Quararibea.

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

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Santa Maria tree 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.

Santa Maria tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Quararibea santaritensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Santa Maria tree prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Santa Maria tree 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 rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or aged manure. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Santa Maria tree 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.

Santa Maria tree 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.

Prune Santa Maria tree 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.

Santa Maria tree 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.

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

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

Santa Maria tree 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.

Santa Maria tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Santa Maria tree is native to Central America. In cooler regions, grow Santa Maria tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.