Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum Plant Care

Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum (Sapium appendiculatum) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Sapium genus. Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum is also known as Sapium longifolium.

Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum produces small greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum 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.

Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sapium appendiculatum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum 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.

Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum 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 Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum 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.

Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum 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.

Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hogwood plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Sapium appendiculatum var. quinquelobum is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

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