Siam Nutmeg Plant Care

Siam Nutmeg (Streblus asper) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Streblus genus. Siam Nutmeg is also known as Sandpaper Fig, Toothbrush Tree, Saire.

Siam Nutmeg displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Siam Nutmeg produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Siam Nutmeg 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.

Siam Nutmeg thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Siam Nutmeg in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Streblus asper tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Siam Nutmeg 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 Siam Nutmeg to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Siam Nutmeg 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 bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Siam Nutmeg is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Siam Nutmeg can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Siam Nutmeg 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.

Siam Nutmeg 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.

Siam Nutmeg can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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Siam Nutmeg is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

Siam Nutmeg grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Siam Nutmeg as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.