Box-leafed water gum Plant Care

Box-leafed water gum (Syzygium buxifolium) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Syzygium genus. Box-leafed water gum is native to northern Vietnam, southern China, Hainan, Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands, and southern Kyushu, Japan.

Box-leafed water gum displays a tall, dense tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Box-leafed water gum produces small, white, fluffy flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Box-leafed water gum 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.

Box-leafed water gum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Syzygium buxifolium tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Box-leafed water gum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Box-leafed water gum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Box-leafed water gum 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, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Box-leafed water gum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Box-leafed water gum can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 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.

Prune Box-leafed water gum 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.

Box-leafed water gum 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.

Box-leafed water gum can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to waterberry plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Box-leafed water gum is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Box-leafed water gum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Box-leafed water gum is native to northern Vietnam, southern China, Hainan, Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands, and southern Kyushu, Japan. In cooler regions, grow Box-leafed water gum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.