Anacardiaceae Plant Care

Semecarpus brachystachys Merr. & L.M.Perry

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Semecarpus brachystachys, also known as the Malayan cherry, is distinctive for its dark green, glossy leaves and striking red fruits. This evergreen tree is native to Southeast Asia and is prized by plant enthusiasts for its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Anacardiaceae?

Plant Anacardiaceae in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

What Is the Anacardiaceae?

Anacardiaceae (Semecarpus brachystachys) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Semecarpus genus. Anacardiaceae is native to Southeast Asia, Malaysia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Anacardiaceae?

Water a young or newly planted Anacardiaceae 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Anacardiaceae Need?

Anacardiaceae thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Anacardiaceae Prefer?

Semecarpus brachystachys tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Anacardiaceae prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Anacardiaceae?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Anacardiaceae?

Feed Anacardiaceae 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 Anacardiaceae?

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.

Anacardiaceae 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 Anacardiaceae?

Anacardiaceae 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 Anacardiaceae?

Prune Anacardiaceae 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 Anacardiaceae in Winter?

Anacardiaceae 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 Anacardiaceae?

Anacardiaceae can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to burmese marking nut plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Anacardiaceae Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

Toxic sap can cause skin irritation and dermatitis

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 Anacardiaceae?

Anacardiaceae is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Anacardiaceae Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Anacardiaceae 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 Semecarpus genus — compare its care with other Semecarpus species on PlantoScan.

Semecarpus is part of the Anacardiaceae plant family — browse all Anacardiaceae genera and species.

Anacardiaceae thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Semecarpus Species

Other Semecarpus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Semecarpus brachystachys Merr. & L.M.Perry, family Anacardiaceae (first published in J. Arnold Arbor. 22: 540 (1941)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Anacardiaceae is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. 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.

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