Bumpy Stemonoporus Plant Care

Stemonoporus bullatus Kosterm.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its large, glossy, bullate leaves and prominent veining, this plant hails from the rainforests of Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and ability to thrive in low light conditions, making it a coveted addition to indoor plant collections.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Bumpy Stemonoporus?

Plant Bumpy Stemonoporus in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 11b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Bumpy Stemonoporus Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Bumpy Stemonoporus?

Bumpy Stemonoporus (Stemonoporus bullatus) belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family within the Stemonoporus genus. Bumpy Stemonoporus is native to southwestern Sri Lanka. Bumpy Stemonoporus is also known as Bullate Stemonoporus.

Bumpy Stemonoporus displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Bumpy Stemonoporus produces small white or cream-colored flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Bumpy Stemonoporus?

Water a young or newly planted Bumpy Stemonoporus 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 Bumpy Stemonoporus Need?

Bumpy Stemonoporus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bumpy Stemonoporus Prefer?

Stemonoporus bullatus tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Bumpy Stemonoporus prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bumpy Stemonoporus?

Well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Bumpy Stemonoporus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Bumpy Stemonoporus?

Feed Bumpy Stemonoporus 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 Bumpy Stemonoporus?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bumpy Stemonoporus is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Bumpy Stemonoporus?

Bumpy Stemonoporus can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Bumpy Stemonoporus?

Prune Bumpy Stemonoporus 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 Bumpy Stemonoporus in Winter?

Bumpy Stemonoporus 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.

How Do You Propagate a Bumpy Stemonoporus?

Bumpy Stemonoporus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to stemonoporus acuminatus plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Bumpy Stemonoporus Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Bumpy Stemonoporus, 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 Bumpy Stemonoporus?

Bumpy Stemonoporus is susceptible to 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 Bumpy Stemonoporus Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Bumpy Stemonoporus 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 Stemonoporus genus — compare its care with other Stemonoporus species on PlantoScan.

Stemonoporus is part of the Dipterocarpaceae plant family — browse all Dipterocarpaceae genera and species.

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

More Stemonoporus Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Stemonoporus bullatus Kosterm., family Dipterocarpaceae (first published in Misc. Pap. Landbouwhoogeschool 19: 209 (1980)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bumpy Stemonoporus, 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 11b – 12b, 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.

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