Tambourissa brachyphylla Plant Care
Tambourissa pedicellata Baker
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique velvety silver leaves that shimmer in the sunlight, this plant originates from Madagascar. Plant collectors are drawn to Tambourissa pedicellata for its striking foliage, adding a touch of exotic beauty to their collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tambourissa brachyphylla?
Plant Tambourissa brachyphylla in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tambourissa brachyphylla Native To?
What Is the Tambourissa brachyphylla?
Tambourissa brachyphylla (Tambourissa pedicellata) belongs to the Monimiaceae family within the Tambourissa genus. Tambourissa brachyphylla is native to Mauritius. Tambourissa brachyphylla is also known as Tambourissa salicifolia.
Tambourissa brachyphylla displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Tambourissa brachyphylla produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tambourissa brachyphylla?
Water a young or newly planted Tambourissa brachyphylla 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 Tambourissa brachyphylla Need?
Tambourissa brachyphylla thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tambourissa brachyphylla Prefer?
Tambourissa pedicellata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Tambourissa brachyphylla prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tambourissa brachyphylla?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Tambourissa brachyphylla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tambourissa brachyphylla?
Feed Tambourissa brachyphylla 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 Tambourissa brachyphylla?
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.
Tambourissa brachyphylla is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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 Tambourissa brachyphylla?
Tambourissa brachyphylla 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 Tambourissa brachyphylla?
Prune Tambourissa brachyphylla 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 Tambourissa brachyphylla in Winter?
Tambourissa brachyphylla 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 Tambourissa brachyphylla?
Tambourissa brachyphylla can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tambourissa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tambourissa brachyphylla Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tambourissa brachyphylla, 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 Tambourissa brachyphylla?
Tambourissa brachyphylla 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tambourissa brachyphylla Need?
Tambourissa brachyphylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Tambourissa brachyphylla is native to Mauritius. In cooler regions, grow Tambourissa brachyphylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Tambourissa brachyphylla 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 Tambourissa genus — compare its care with other Tambourissa species on PlantoScan.
Tambourissa is part of the Monimiaceae plant family — browse all Monimiaceae genera and species.
Tambourissa brachyphylla thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tambourissa pedicellata Baker, family Monimiaceae (first published in Fl. Mauritius : 289 (1877)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tambourissa brachyphylla, 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 – 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.
