Sideroxylon jubilla Plant Care
Sideroxylon jubilla (Urb.) T.D.Penn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its glossy, dark green leaves that have a unique wavy shape. Originating from the Caribbean islands, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its beautiful foliage and ability to thrive in tropical climates. The Sideroxylon jubilla is a stunning addition to any collector's garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Sideroxylon jubilla?
Plant Sideroxylon jubilla in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10b–11b) 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.
Where Is the Sideroxylon jubilla Native To?
What Is the Sideroxylon jubilla?
Sideroxylon jubilla (Sideroxylon jubilla) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Sideroxylon genus. Sideroxylon jubilla is native to Cuba.
Sideroxylon jubilla displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Sideroxylon jubilla produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sideroxylon jubilla?
Water a young or newly planted Sideroxylon jubilla 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 Sideroxylon jubilla Need?
Sideroxylon jubilla thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sideroxylon jubilla Prefer?
Sideroxylon jubilla tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Sideroxylon jubilla prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sideroxylon jubilla?
Well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Sideroxylon jubilla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sideroxylon jubilla?
Feed Sideroxylon jubilla 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 Sideroxylon jubilla?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Sideroxylon jubilla is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.
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 Sideroxylon jubilla?
Sideroxylon jubilla 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.
How Do You Prune a Sideroxylon jubilla?
Prune Sideroxylon jubilla 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 Sideroxylon jubilla in Winter?
Sideroxylon jubilla is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). 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 Sideroxylon jubilla?
Sideroxylon jubilla can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false ironwood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sideroxylon jubilla Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sideroxylon jubilla, 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 Sideroxylon jubilla?
Sideroxylon jubilla is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sideroxylon jubilla Need?
Sideroxylon jubilla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Sideroxylon jubilla is native to Cuba. In cooler regions, grow Sideroxylon jubilla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Sideroxylon jubilla 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 Sideroxylon genus — compare its care with other Sideroxylon species on PlantoScan.
Sideroxylon is part of the Sapotaceae plant family — browse all Sapotaceae genera and species.
Sideroxylon jubilla thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sideroxylon Species
Other Sideroxylon species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sideroxylon jubilla (Urb.) T.D.Penn., family Sapotaceae (first published in Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 52: 137 (1990)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sideroxylon jubilla, 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 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
