Chinese Goose Tree Plant Care

Chinese Goose Tree (Schima superba) belongs to the Theaceae family within the Schima genus. Chinese Goose Tree is native to subtropical areas of Vietnam, southern China, Hainan, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands. Chinese Goose Tree is also known as Schima.

Chinese Goose Tree displays a tall, evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Chinese Goose Tree produces showy white or pink flowers with yellow centers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Goose 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.

Chinese Goose Tree thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Schima superba tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Chinese Goose Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Goose Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Goose 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Goose Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Chinese Goose Tree can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Chinese Goose 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.

Chinese Goose 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.

Chinese Goose Tree can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to shortleaf schima plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Chinese Goose Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, leaf miners. 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.

Chinese Goose Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Chinese Goose Tree is native to subtropical areas of Vietnam, southern China, Hainan, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Goose Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.