Brazilian Peppertree Plant Care

Brazilian Peppertree (Rhyssolobium dumosum) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Rhyssolobium genus. Brazilian Peppertree is native to South Africa. Brazilian Peppertree is also known as Schinus dumosus, Rhus dumosus.

Brazilian Peppertree displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Brazilian Peppertree produces small fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Brazilian Peppertree every 7–10 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.

Brazilian Peppertree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rhyssolobium dumosum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Brazilian Peppertree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Brazilian Peppertree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Brazilian Peppertree 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 perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Brazilian Peppertree is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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.

Brazilian Peppertree can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Brazilian Peppertree 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.

Brazilian Peppertree 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.

Brazilian Peppertree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Brazilian Peppertree 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.

Brazilian Peppertree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Brazilian Peppertree is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Brazilian Peppertree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.