Chinese Tapiscia Plant Care

Chinese Tapiscia (Tapiscia sinensis) belongs to the Tapisciaceae family within the Tapiscia genus. Chinese Tapiscia is native to China.

Chinese Tapiscia displays a small tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Chinese Tapiscia produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Tapiscia 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.

Chinese Tapiscia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tapiscia sinensis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Chinese Tapiscia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Tapiscia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Tapiscia 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 rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Tapiscia 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.

Chinese Tapiscia can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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.

Prune Chinese Tapiscia 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.

Chinese Tapiscia 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.

Chinese Tapiscia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Chinese Tapiscia 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.

Chinese Tapiscia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Chinese Tapiscia is native to China. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Tapiscia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.