Lepidostemon terminalioides Plant Care

Lepidostemon terminalioides (Soulamea terminalioides) belongs to the Simaroubaceae family within the Soulamea genus. Lepidostemon terminalioides is native to Seychelles. Lepidostemon terminalioides is also known as Pouteria terminalioides.

Lepidostemon terminalioides displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Lepidostemon terminalioides produces small clusters of white, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lepidostemon terminalioides 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.

Lepidostemon terminalioides thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Soulamea terminalioides tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Lepidostemon terminalioides prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Lepidostemon terminalioides to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lepidostemon terminalioides 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 loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lepidostemon terminalioides 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.

Lepidostemon terminalioides can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Lepidostemon terminalioides 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.

Lepidostemon terminalioides 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.

Lepidostemon terminalioides can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bitter soulamea plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Lepidostemon terminalioides is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider 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.

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