Bornean Scyphostegia Plant Care
Scyphostegia borneensis Stapf
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Scyphostegia borneensis is a species of shrub or small tree endemic to Borneo. This unusual plant is the only species in the genus Scyphostegia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bornean Scyphostegia?
Plant Bornean Scyphostegia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Bornean Scyphostegia?
Bornean Scyphostegia (Scyphostegia borneensis) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Scyphostegia genus. Bornean Scyphostegia is native to Borneo.
Bornean Scyphostegia displays a fast-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Bornean Scyphostegia produces small inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bornean Scyphostegia?
Water a young or newly planted Bornean Scyphostegia 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Bornean Scyphostegia Need?
Bornean Scyphostegia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bornean Scyphostegia Prefer?
Scyphostegia borneensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Bornean Scyphostegia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bornean Scyphostegia?
Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bornean Scyphostegia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bornean Scyphostegia?
Feed Bornean Scyphostegia 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Bornean Scyphostegia?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Bornean Scyphostegia 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Bornean Scyphostegia?
Bornean Scyphostegia 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.
How Do You Prune a Bornean Scyphostegia?
Prune Bornean Scyphostegia 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.
How Do You Care for a Bornean Scyphostegia in Winter?
Bornean Scyphostegia 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.
How Do You Propagate a Bornean Scyphostegia?
Bornean Scyphostegia can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.
Is the Bornean Scyphostegia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bornean Scyphostegia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bornean Scyphostegia?
Bornean Scyphostegia is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bornean Scyphostegia Need?
Bornean Scyphostegia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Bornean Scyphostegia is native to Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Bornean Scyphostegia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Bornean Scyphostegia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Scyphostegia genus (family Salicaceae) — search all Scyphostegia species in the plant lookup.
Bornean Scyphostegia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Scyphostegia borneensis Stapf, family Salicaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London, Bot. 4(2): 218. 1894 [1894-96 publ. Dec 1894]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bornean Scyphostegia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
