Yellow varnish tree Plant Care

Yellow varnish tree (Semecarpus ochraceus) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Semecarpus genus. Yellow varnish tree is native to Sri Lanka. Yellow varnish tree is also known as Bhilwa.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Yellow varnish 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.

Yellow varnish tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Semecarpus ochraceus tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Yellow varnish tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Yellow varnish 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Yellow varnish tree is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Yellow varnish tree 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 Yellow varnish 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.

Yellow varnish tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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

Yellow varnish tree 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.

Yellow varnish tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Yellow varnish tree is native to Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Yellow varnish tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.