Ruagea membranacea Plant Care

Ruagea membranacea (Ruagea membranacea) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Ruagea genus. Ruagea membranacea is native to Ecuador.

Ruagea membranacea displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Ruagea membranacea produces small fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ruagea membranacea 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.

Ruagea membranacea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Ruagea membranacea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ruagea membranacea 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 loamy soil with added compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ruagea membranacea 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.

Ruagea membranacea 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 Ruagea membranacea 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.

Ruagea membranacea 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.

Ruagea membranacea can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ruagea microphylla plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Ruagea membranacea is susceptible to 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.

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